Refurbishment of Retail Property Investments in Africa: AnfaPlace Mall in Casablanca
The AnfaPlace Mall is a prime example of the work quality offered by GREA Africa and the excellent income-generating capacity of retail property investments in Africa. Developed back in 2013, the Mall forms part of a large mixed-use precinct in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco.
With its location close to the high-end residential area of Anfa, it is perfectly located to ensure high foot traffic with the target market, including high-income earners.
The shopping centre was renovated in 2019 to ensure it maintains a modern and stylish character, and provide the amenities its target audience appreciates.
Located on the Atlantic seaboard, the shopping centre boasts a superb setting giving shoppers tranquil surrounds and relaxation spaces. With a modern design and aesthetic appeal, it’s a landmark retail property. The upmarket character of the waterfront with its affluent community adds value to the region. With a range of retail shops, several eateries, numerous leisure facilities and world-class accommodation at the Four Seasons Hotel, the Mall is positioned to also benefit from tourists.
GREA Africa was commissioned to manage the renovation of the Mall which included upgrades to the property. It entailed the reconfiguration of gross lettable space to increase trade capacity, improve profitability and create better shopper experiences, while improving the visibility of key tenants and, thereby, their investments.
With a comprehensive refurbishment scope, GREA Africa was tasked with parking upgrades that included the installation of energy-efficient light systems, painting the relevant sections, and improving the overall light provision systems throughout the Mall for better engagement among visitors to the shopping centre.
The refurbishment also entailed upgrades to Internet connectivity for better speed and more accessibility, which added to higher levels of customer satisfaction. GREA Africa also had the task of adding ablution facilities for families, children and disabled patrons.
Other points of improvement included the addition of a food court, and upgrading the condition and appearance of the floor, walls and ceilings.
It was a significant project, which also helped to position the shopping centre further as one of the top retail property investments in Africa.
GREA Africa workers completed the renovations during the evenings to minimise the impact of refurbishment on the shopping experiences of the visitors. It took a total of 178 000 work hours to complete, which certainly also makes the project one of the flagships completed property investments in terms of man-hours spent.
With a parking area that includes 1 178 parking bays, the refurbishing of the parking area alone was already an impressive feat. The space consists of 56 000 sqm that includes a GLA of 31 808 sqm. This is but one of many impressive retail investments happening in Africa in which GREA Africa has been involved in refurbishment or development.
View our portfolio of completed projects for more information related to other completed projects and those in progress. Qualifying investors are invited to get in touch for information about retail property investments in Africa.