What is a city without a Shopping mall? Doula City, the economic capital of Cameroon, is now the home of the largest mall in Central Africa. Doula Grand Mall has caught the attention of many who admire its structure and convenience.
With 18000sqm of the rental commercial area, the mall is quite spacious. The mall has 160 shops and stores, 22 restaurants, a multiplex of 5 cinemas of 1000 seats, a spa, a Carrefour supermarket, and 640 parking places. All these just in the first phase. This will make the Doula Grand Mall the number one shopping center in Cameroon.
Indeed, the partnership by Actis and Douala Retail and Convention Center has given birth to a masterpiece. Douala Grand Mall has itself a museum and an airport look, which makes it stand out. Funke Okubadejo, Actis Real Estate Director says;
” We are very excited to see progress with the completion of the Douala Grand Mall. Precisely in the shops, the anchor spaces, the common areas as well as the surrounding places.”
The mall has already won the Excellence in Design and Greater Efficiency (EDGE) certification. The award by the International Finance Company, from the World Bank Group, is in recognition of the mall’s compliance with specific environmental standards.
Location of the Shopping Mall
Situated in an area with an estimated population of 4 million, the mall expects 300,000 visitors a month and 10,000 visitors daily. Moreover, the project targets to generate around 4,500 employment opportunities.
“We have estimated that in its overall scope, we will generate around 4,500 direct and indirect jobs in all specialties, “Mathurin Kamdem, promoter of the Douala Grand Mall.
All in one Place
With an extensive offer in fashion, lifestyle, and services for all age groups inclusive of family-oriented activities, the mall promises to be the go-to place. Douala Grand Mall combines entertainment and commerce in a bid to revolutionize Cameroon’s retail trade.
“We are convinced that the Douala Grand Mall will become a very attractive commercial center. A true meeting point” read a statement by Carrefour Market’s Management.
Measures put in place
Douala Grand Mall in a bid to curb COVID-19 spread has also made wearing masks in the mall mandatory. Measures have also been put to ensure the mall does not lead to environmental pollution as a result of the many commercial activities.
Some security measures taken up by the mall management include placing security cameras in and out of the mall. Security guards will also be posted in the area. Nonetheless, there will be routine searches at the entrance and exit. In conjunction with the municipal authorities, lighting will also be improved in the area. It is important to note that the security plan has been developed by one of the world’s leading security specialists; the London office of Bentley Security in collaboration with G4S and the local authorities.
With the second phase yet to be rolled out, the Douala Grand Mall is already living up to its expectation. I believe Cameroon is yet to experience more from this 122 million euros project.
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