As devolved units continue to grow, many businesses and individuals are finding it worthwhile to invest in these regions rather than flock to the capital city and other large towns. Consequently, there has been a noticeable incremental trend in commercial and residential developments in regional (county) capitals.
The Greenwood City Mall is part of the larger Greenwood City, a modern mixed-used development in the heart of Meru, about 225 kilometres east of Nairobi. Meru is considered a prime location for this kind of development as it is accessible from key towns around the Mt. Kenya region including Embu, Nanyuki and Isiolo. These towns have vibrant economies that can support retail business.
Designed by Triad Architects, Greenwood City itself, a development of Fusion Capital, is envisioned as an ultra-modern live, work and play community providing an ideal environment with natural open spaces with playgrounds, community facilities, commercial and retail space. It sits on six acres and is being implemented in phases. The mall, already complete, takes up 3.8 acres.
According to the developer, the intention behind Greenwood City was to deliver a Grade A mixed-use development in the fast-growing town and attract premium tenants like other major cities in the country. They were also cognizant of the potential of job creation during construction and from the businesses that would be domiciled in the city.
“We take pride in having delivered the first premium value mall in Meru and the greater environs featuring modern international design with high-end finishes and well-planned retail shops. It also has world class facilities and amenities including the first escalator in the town and spacious panoramic lifts that open to the well-lit atrium and bespoke frameless glass balustrading. This is supported by spacious outdoor areas covering ample parking and well landscaped areas that brings out the mall’s identity to blend and conserve the existing flora.”
The mall was completed ahead of tenant fit-outs in October 2022 having commenced in 2015. Most of the construction was however undertaken during the Covid Pandemic.
As expected, the mall has already attracted key tenants including financial institutions such as Cooperative Bank, Stima Sacco, retailers such as Naivas and a host of other businesses that include Linton’s and Citywalk. Others are healthcare providers including Gertude’s, electronics shops and major fast-food outlets such as KFC and Java.
Choice of location
The site has good accessibility and is near public parking spaces that will complement the parking at the proposed development. It’s also near the major commuter terminus. The property sits just off the Meru-Nairobi highway, which passes directly through the town’s CBD. The second largest of Meru’s matatu stages – Makutano Bus Station – is situated directly opposite. Thus, is accessible by public and private means as well.
Materials used
The floor has a mix of high-quality ceramic and granito tiles with stainless steel cladding and balustrades and modern gypsum ceiling finishes. The shopfront designs feature powder coated aluminium. There is also significant use of glass in the façade and atrium to give a naturally lit space.
Green elements
The mall will soon be rolling out a solar power to the common areas. The overall design harnesses natural light to reduce energy expenses. Motion and time sensors have been incorporated in the common areas and washrooms to further reduce on the lighting costs.
In landscaping, the developer has retained indigenous trees around the area to give a seamless adaptation to the environment.
Services
The mall is sufficiently covered with high voltage stable power supported by backup generators that cater to common power and a few tenant requirements. Water is supplied from both the county and borehole on site. The mall is connected to the bulk sewer system.
There are 220 parking slots on ground and basement, a perimeter wall and round-the-clock security.
