This first regional shopping centre for Mauritius brings a mix of international, South African and local Mauritian retail to Africa's top-rated country in the World Bank's Doing Business 2010 report.
CEO of Atterbury Group, Louis van der Watt, explains that the Bagatelle precinct will ultimately include Mall of Mauritius, a motor city, 100-room business hotel, offices, light industrial and a residential area, all interlinked with strong synergy in a vibrant mixed-use environment.
"This development meets the company's strategic criteria of investing in a stable offshore economy, whilst partnering with well established local partners," says van der Watt. This multi-use development is a collaboration with ENL Group, an established and reputable Mauritian group.
"Retailer and consumer demand, together with a budding local economy, an excellent location and superb access are all factors driving this development," notes van der Watt.
Featuring an extensive mix of some 140 stores, the mall will provide a diverse and comprehensive overall retail experience. It will also include six cinema theatres and a food court with an exciting mix of contemporary restaurants, a children's play area and a skate park.
Cobus van Heerden, director of Retail from Atterbury Property Developments confirms that South African-based retailers Pick n Pay, Woolworths and Food Lovers Market are in. A variety of well-known international retailers such as Hugo Boss, Guess, Quicksilver, Aldo and Nike are also committed to the mall.
They will be joined by fashion retailers Truworths, Nine West, Bata and Identity as well as popular restaurants such as Ocean Basket, Nando's, KFC, Mugg & Bean, Debonairs, Steers and Fishaways.
Ensuring local flair, it will include a number of well-known Mauritian retailers including Kaddy Plus, Courts, Galaxy, Mozouzou, Zea, Book Court, Citi Sport, All Sport, Baobab, Feng Shui, Caunhye Bijoux, Ripcurl, Cash & Carry, DCL Communication, Fresh Step, Olive & Salad Bar and Taste of Asia.
In addition to the local retailers, the mall has also been designed in a Mauritian architectural style to reflect and deliver an authentic island experience, with strong integration to its setting. One of South Africa's leading architectural firms, Boogertman+Partners Architects have designed the shopping centre in association with local partners.
"The latest design principles have been incorporated for this enclosed single-storey, fully air-conditioned shopping centre, which includes ample, convenient on grade parking," explains van Heerden.
The parking is supported by ease of access from a new off ramp via the Bagatelle Bridge, directly to the mall from all directions of travel on the M1 Motorway. It is also well-served by public transport.
The development is situated at the heart of the island between the capital Port Louis and the emerging Cyber City growth zone. Mauritius was recently rated among the Top 25 global offshore platforms, with a local population of some 1.4 million and a growing number of tourist arrivals, already around 1 million each year.
"The development is on schedule and is set to serve both local and tourist markets, as well as the many business people based on the island as a result of the 2500 new global companies, which have been attracted to Mauritius's growing economy over the past 10 years," concludes van Heerden.
