Garden City Developer Actis head of Nairobi office Michael Turner (left), takes Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero on a tour of the development before the launch on Sept. 10 2015.
Garden City, East Africa’s first integrated residential, retail and office development, was officially opened last week with the developer announcing the construction of a new business park.
The business park will be the newest addition to the Garden City project bringing the total to 60,000 square metres of modern executive offices with market leading parking ratios. The new Garden City Business Park will be developed on an additional 21 acres of land adjacent to the original 32 acre site.
Actis, the leading emerging market investor, said the business park will host a four-star business hotel and a hospital with their own secure entrances, green spaces and a pedestrian boulevard linking the Business Park to the Mall and park with all its amenities.
Mr Michael Turner, Head of Actis Nairobi office said the new office park, targeted at Nairobi’s growing business community, will benefit from the huge range of dining, shopping and leisure activities at Garden City Mall.
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“Our vision for Garden City is to build a new and exciting address that meets the multiple needs of Nairobi residents,” Turner said during the launch attended by over 400 guests, including the Governor of Nairobi, Dr Evans Kidero as chief guest. “With the completion of the first phase and the addition of the Garden City Business Park, we are one step closer to this vision.”
Situated 9km from the Central Business District (CBD), it has an excellent access between Exit 7 and 8 of Thika Highway. Garden City is a $540m flagship project comprising one of the largest retail malls in Africa (offering approximately 50,000 square metres of retail space), over 400 high-end residential units, 60,000 square metres of offices space and a central park with a dedicated events stage. It is also home to the largest solar paneled carport in Africa, situated on the mall’s roof.
David Morley, Head of Real Estate at Actis commented: “We select some of the most dynamic African cities in which to create innovative, international quality retail developments that become destinations. Garden City is a great example.”
Nairobi County Governor Dr Evans Kidero said he would support the projects and facilitate the necessary approvals needed so long as they meet the standards. “We will reduce approval period to four weeks to encourage investors in this sector,” he said.
The perfect mix
The first phase of Garden City Mall opened its doors on 28 May 2015 with 33,500 square metres of retail space spread across 3 floors, already home to over 120 stores, offering a wide selection of international and the best Kenyan brands.
Garden City Mall boasts the first Game store in Kenya (which is part of the Walmart Group) as well as Nakumatt, TAAC Store, Victoria Courts, MAC Cosmetics, Safaricom, Art Café, and Mambo Italia, with all shops and 16 eating destinations arranged around light and airy terraces overlooking the park.
Phase one of the project also includes 76 sold out two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes, and development of the second residential phase is already underway, adding 56 spacious 4 bedroom villas and 83 apartments into the mix. Actis is the developer behind the Junction Mall and Nairobi Business Park.
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