Gamuda Walk officially opens its doors

SHAH ALAM (April 14): Gamuda Land is aiming for a tenancy of up to 90% for its community lifestyle retail centre at Kota Kemuning, Gamuda Walk, by June – six months after its soft launch.

At Gamuda Walk’s official launch today, Gamuda Land, general manager for leasing, Herbie Tan said when the oval-shaped mixed development soft launched in December last year, 77% of its retail space were opened for business. Today, some 83% are in business.

"There are a couple [of businesses] still being renovated but we expect 85% to 90% of outlets to be opened come May and June," Tan told the media.

Also in attendance at the event, which featured an acrobatic performance, super heroes and a flash mob, was Gamuda Land managing director, Chow Chee Wah, who noted that the keywords of "lifestyle" and "convenient" were necessary for the mature township of Kota Kemuning, which encompasses a 1,820 acre development.

“It is designed as part of a holistic plan to fulfil the needs of a young and vibrant neighbourhood with its variety of lifestyle amenities and convenience. With the opening of the mall, we are confident that it will add value to our award-winning Kota Kemuning township,” Chow added.

Tan it is a challenge to attract retailers to suburban areas.

"We are looking at improving the tenant mix. We have gaps to fill but we find retailers questioning if there is a market to cater to. Once we bring them over, and they see for themselves the potential, it is an ‘Eureka!’ moment for them but perhaps once we can prove the results, there will be better responses," he added.

Tan said a majority of Gamuda Walk’s outlets are from the food and beverage segment, accounting for 31% to 32% of the retail space available.

"We are still looking to fill two gaps, the fashion and the children/education segments, which can include music schools or a kindergarten option because it is these activities that drive people to the mall," he said, adding that the business suites called Biz Suites were 100% sold.

Tan said it was the right time for the 20-year-old Kota Kemuning development to have its own lifestyle retail centre that caters to the community and their daily needs. He added that Gamuda Land plans to invest in activities and promotional programmes so that people in Kota Kemuning, as well as nearby areas such as Bukit Rimau, will become familiar with the mall.

Gamuda Walk’s anchor tenant is AEON MaxValu, which provides shoppers with its first revamped grocery shopping concept. The other tenants to take note of include Mr D.I.Y. and Kitchen Shop aimed at shoppers with a taste for household, craftwork and handy-work necessities.

Eateries such as Red Lobster, Nando’s, Sakae Sushi and Boat Noodle have also found a home in the retail centre, while lifestyle convenience outlets such as like Pet Lovers Centre, Focus Point and Chapter One Bookstore are also available.