Al Bahia's much-anticipated Victorian England-themed shopping mall complex, Deerfields Town Square, is on the last lap to completion after several setbacks. We spoke to Banu Tas, the project's general manager, for an update.
When is Deerfields opening?
It is expected that the mall will open in mid 2012.
What will it offer?
It has been designed and envisaged as a true community mall, delivering on the wishes and expectations of the immediate communities of new Abu Dhabi. The whole development will cover 80,000 square metres, with an anticipated 10 million visitors to the mall per year. It will have a Carrefour, more than 200 retail outlets, indoor and outdoor casual and fine dining restaurants, as well as extensive leisure and entertainment including a modern cinema.
How will Deerfields impact Al Bahia?
It will place Al Bahia on the map and raise interest in this Abu Dhabi suburb. It will serve as a place where residents can welcome visitors to their community, a place where people can work, rest and play within easy access of their homes. A planned pre-opening programme aims to promote local community pride for the mall, and the aim is to stage weekly events that will give people the chance to visit the site.
