By Shabna Rahman
With the opening of the West Central Mall on September 30th, West Demerara residents would be spared the hassle of travelling across the river for theatre, shopping and other fun activities.
Located at Groenveldt, Leo-nora, West Coast Demerara, the mall offers 2D and 3D movie theatres, indoor play parks, Atlantis Cuisine, a fine dining restaurant and the Ace Club and Lounge.
General Manager, Sandra Bipta, told Stabroek News that there will be 84 businesses that include fast food joints, like KFC and Churches/Mario/DQ, Jade’s Wok, a Latino and a local restaurant, a smoothie bar, as well as E-Networks, GTT and Digicel, while Cinnabon would be added later the year.
There are also kiosks for various types of businesses, such as a pet store, a bookstore, a souvenir shop as well as for candies and plants.
Bipta said that the mall, which is the first of its kind in the region, is strategically located and is central to the main ports of Vreed-en-Hoop and Parika. She said that not only the residents from Region 3 would enjoy it, but those coming from Regions two and seven as well.
“There are two conference facilities and with the expanding oil and gas sector in the region, conference facility is necessary,” for board meetings, seminars and similar events. Catering services would also be available if needed.
Patrons do not have to wait until the opening of the mall on the 30th to enjoy a unique experience though, as the fine dining restaurant; the Atlantis Cuisine, would be launched today and opened to the public on September 15.
It is the first ever themed restaurant in the country, according to a Director/Owner, Bhabita Albert. In keeping with the theme: ‘Under the Sea,’ “we strive to bring that feeling that you are in an atmosphere and an ambience that is under the sea.”
During a tour of the facility, this newspaper observed that the artistic designs have truly created the under the sea effect. The interior of the restaurant is painted with the colours of sea green and blue and adorned with paintings and ornaments of fishes, turtles, octopuses and other sea animals. The walls are splashed with 3D drawings of castles that create the tales of the mythical ‘lost kingdom of Atlantis.’
The outside of the restaurant takes you to a balcony that overlooks a stunning view. A portion of the space is divided by latticework screens for outdoor private dining. A package would be available for hosting dinners for any event and even for candlelight dinners.
At the side of the balcony, is a roof that Albert said would be covered with carpet grass. It will serve as a roof garden and would add a nice, relaxing view for the customers to enjoy while dining.
The restaurant will offer a diverse menu, incorporating two dishes from each continent. It will also cater to the needs of all religious and ethnic backgrounds, including acquiring halaal certification from the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana.
“Our chefs are Guyanese but are internationally accredited. While we aim to bring the international dishes, the Guyanese chefs are very talented and have been misjudged and mistreated many times,” Albert asserted. “So we have allowed them to just go in and do what they do best,” and guaranteed that “the taste is phenomenal.”
The family-owned entity, has onboard her siblings, Tina and Avishkar Albert, along with her father, Hemraj Albert and his wife, Camille.
Initially
The idea of the mall started “when we acquired the land two years ago. We saw the need for entertainment and for a facility that can accommodate family. We did not expect it to be of that magnitude though. We were initially thinking of something more simple that would have had a little play park and space for rental.”
But with the land having potential for more development, and with the “help and resources, we collaborated with some architects. And today, I can say that I am very much proud and happy to have this facility, not just from our standpoint as management, but something that we can give to everybody in Region 3 and Guyana as a whole. It will definitely put Region 3 on the map and I am excited to welcome everyone.“
The sod-turning ceremony for the mall was held in February 2021, with an estimated completion of two years. Albert said they had to push back the opening from earlier this year.
The reason for that was because “we faced a few challenges, logistically, and from the weather. We also wanted to ensure that the facility was up to standard and that when we open our doors to the public, they can come here and enjoy everything that we have to offer.”
Their staff consist of “experienced personnel as well as those who are new to the industry. We wanted to give opportunities to people who have probably just finished school and have their qualifications but are unable to find a job. When this newspaper visited, many of the staff members were undergoing training in the restaurant.
Dolby
The movie theatres are said to be one-of-a-kind entertainment with “one of the most updated technology; the Dolby Atmos (surround sound) system and seating that is unique to Guyana, like the love seats and the recliners. Before entering the theatres, patrons can shop their nachos and popcorn from the concession area that is built around a boat.
The Ace Club & Lounge, which is also on the third floor, provides entertainment “for the young and the young at heart.” It will be launched on September 22, and features live performances by DJ Anna and DJ Ultra Simmo.
Reya, the social media marketing assistant, who showed us the indoor children’s play park, which will accommodate children from ages four to ten, said it is the first of its kind in the region.
It is located on the second floor and adjoining it, is an open-air seating area for parents and guardians. They can use the time to relax and enjoy a nice atmosphere while having snacks and at the same time, keeping an eye on the children.
Albert pointed out that she travels quite a lot with her family and that “we were able to capitalise on whatever we experience and bring it back home. The main vision behind the fine dining restaurant, the play park, the Ace Club & Lounge and the movie theatres, “are the experiences we have had internationally.” They try to provide an opportunity for people who have never travelled, to enjoy the experience right here.
Bipta reiterated that the mall is “bringing a really unique vibe to this side of the river. Self-sufficiency is what we should really aim for and not [have to] leave our region… But it is also going to add to the development of the region and by extension of the country.”
She told this newspaper too, “We have been hearing this term a lot, that we have the fastest growing economy in the world and we have to keep up with that…”
The mall has helped to change the landscape of the area, along with the recent opening of the Sheriff Hospital and adjoining Western Grill restaurant, as well as the Leonora Track and Field stadium.
Apart from that, Demerara Bank Limited would soon be opened opposite the mall, while beyond that is the development of 7000 house lots as well as the passing of the highway.
She is confident that foot traffic at the mall would not be an issue, given the region has two major housing developments at Cornelia Ida and at Zeelugt. The mall also boasts adequate parking facilities.
