My site visit to The Avenues new expansion

24March 2012

by Tazmania

We finally had the chance today to have a tour at the new Avenues mall expansion (AKA Phase III) that is currently in its final stages of construction and planned to open on September 2012. We arrived there at 1:00 PM where a team from the Avenues were waiting for us and then we were taken on a tour throughout the different districts of the Phase-III.

[Watch on YouTube]

I must say I’m impressed with what I’ve seen and now I’m confident to say that the Avenues will be the largest shopping mall in the region when Phase-III is completed.

The total Phase-III area is about 100, 000 sq.meter and will include over 400 retail shops (that’s equal to Phase I&II combined) that are distributed over 4 districts (Grand Avenue, Prestige, The Souk, Soku, and Bazaar) and there will be 5,000 parking on three basement levels.

I noticed that Phase-III is quiet different with regards to designs and concept where 5 unique districts are being connected, each of these districts has its own concept and idea. The contractor is Mabanee and most of the remaining works were finishings.

Grand Avenue district: This is where we started our tour, it looked like a tree-lined boulevard similar to Shanzelize in Paris, the architecture was a mix of three styles; European, Regional, and Contemporary under a curved roof, nice. I also liked how the A/C was hidden.

Prestige District: This is Salhiya-like shopping mall for those who seek luxury (Kash5a in Kuwaiti), its built on two-levels with high-end brands stores, there will be valet parking and hands-free shopping services.

Soku District: It stands for South of Kuwait, they say this is youth-oriented; a funky place influenced from New York’s bohemian Soho district. There will be retail shops, cafe’s, and restaurants for young people.

Souk District: As we walked around the Souk district I observed that the designs were resembling old and traditional Kuwaiti souk, it looked like Souk Mubarkiya with narrow streets and small shops.

The Bazaar: Its located near the Souk district and inspired by Grand Bazaar located in the city of Istanbul.

Gold Souk: The Phase III will also include a jewelry souk similar to the one at souk Mubarkia.

The Mall: It looks like an extension or I could say a connecting link between the existing Avenues phase II and Phase III, it will have cafe’s and restaurants. Cheesecake factory will be opened in this area, also Kidzania. There will also be a drop-off area and an access to the new parking.

I asked whether the project is progressing as per the schedule or if there’s a delay and there answer was that its progressing as planned, what’s also interesting is that they are considering to have a hotel in the upcoming Phases 4 & 5, yes there will be more phases but until then I can’t wait for Phase III to open.

Thanks to Alia Al Ghunaim for leading the tour.