SHAH ALAM: Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd, the property development division of Gamuda Bhd, aims for a tenancy of up to 90% by June — six months after the soft launch of Gamuda Walk, its community lifestyle retail centre in Kota Kemuning.

At a media event yesterday, Gamuda Land general manager of leasing Herbie Tan said when the oval-shaped mixed development — which also houses seven floors of business suites — opened its doors in December last year, 77% of its retail space was open for business but at the official launch yesterday 83% was taken up.

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

Also in attendance at the lively event, which featured an acrobatic performance, the appearance of super heroes and a flash mob, was Gamuda Land managing director Chow Chee Wah who noted that the keywords “lifestyle” and “convenient” are necessary for the mature township of Kota Kemuning which encompasses a 1,820-acre (736ha) 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 said.

Tan said while Gamuda Walk is not positioned to compete in the saturated market of malls and shopping centres, 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 of the potential, it is a ‘Eureka!’ moment for them, but perhaps once we can prove the results there will be better responses,” he said.

Tan said the majority of the outlets at Gamuda Walk are in the food and beverage segment, accounting for 31% to 32% of the retail spaces available.

“We are still looking to fill two gaps, the fashion and the children/education segment 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 are 100% sold.

Tan said it is the right time for the 20-year-old Kota Kemuning development to have its own lifestyle retail centre that caters for the community and its daily needs.

He added that Gamuda Land plans to invest in getting people within the area, as well as nearby areas like Bukit Rimau, to be familiar with the mall through activities and promotional programmes that are relevant to the crowd.

Housing anchor tenant Aeon MaxValu, the other tenants in Gamuda Walk include Mr DIY and the Kitchen Shop.

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

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on April 15, 2015.