UK developer to construct mega shopping mall in Nairobi amid oversupply in retail space

david nganga

September 7, 2018 5:25 PM

Upon completion in 2020, the new mixed-use property will be the largest mall off the Nairobi City Centre

British architecture firm, aLL Design, is set to construct a shopping mall off the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

The property, dubbed The Beacon, will be established in conjunction with Kiloran Development Group, an investment vehicle for British nationals.

The Beacon will be 306,771 square feet and set on a site off the east of Uhuru Highway towards Bunyala Road roundabout.

Upon completion in 2020, the new mixed-use property will be the largest mall off the Nairobi City Centre.

The shopping centre is designed around the theme of a sweet factory, to "fulfil the desire of the late co-founder and architect Will Alsop that architecture should always be fun."

“We were intrigued by Kiloran’s ideas for this mall in Nairobi and were pleased to be able create an open-air mall with a focus on sustainability, fun and family which we believe to be key drivers on future international mall design.” said Marcos Rosello, co-founder of aLL Design.

Surge in retail space

The planned city centre mall is aLL Design's first project in Africa and the second shopping centre-led development for Kiloran LLP, who have offices in both London and Nairobi. It will feature a shopping centre and Grade A office project.

The Beacon adds to a recent surge in shopping malls in the country despite concern over supply and demand mismatch for mall spaces.

The rise in retail supply has resulted in slower uptake of new retail space as well stagnating prime rents, culminating in an increasingly competitive market which has prompted some landlords to lower their rents.

david nganga