Kuwait-based Tamdeen has started expansion of its iconic 360 Mall which on completion will see the development of retail and entertainment space and multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment facilities in addition to a five-star hotel.

The mall is owned by a subsidiary of Tamdeen Shopping Centers Company, one of the Tamdeen Holding Group of Companies.

The expansion will build on the huge success and identity of the existing 360 Mall with an added offering which includes sports, entertainment, a hotel, and additional shopping, said the company in a statement.

Unveiling the project details, Tamdeen chairman Mohammad Al Marzouq said one of the major highlights will be the development of the new state-of-the-art Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex, which will put Kuwait firmly on the world’s professional tennis map.

He was speaking at a press conference in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed Al Jaber Al Abdullah Al Sabah, the president of Kuwait Tennis Federation, Arab Tennis Federation and chairman of Asian Tennis Federation along with Anil Khanna, the president of Asian Tennis Federation and vice president, International Tennis Federation.

The newly expanded mall with the tennis complex is expected to open doors by 2019.
    
"This will be the first time in the world that retail, sports and entertainment come together under one roof and on this scale. When the expansion work is complete, 360 Mall will be further enhanced and together with the tennis complex will become a landmark in Kuwait," stated Al Marzouq.

"We aim to promote the very best brands from around the world under one roof whilst simultaneously encouraging a healthier and more active lifestyle for Kuwait residents," he added.

Al Marzouq said: "We believe that the synergy between the glorious game of tennis and 360 Mall, the premium lifestyle mall in Kuwait, creates an unparalleled experience. We are committed to Kuwait and to the development of tennis in Kuwait which we believe is a sport where the country excels. Through this project we will provide world-class tennis facilities for the country."

The expansion project will feature several new-to-the-market retail brands, a signature five-star hotel, in addition to outstanding restaurants, a ballroom, and a health club. The upgraded retail experience will leave shoppers with a multitude of new brands to choose from, while the hospitality and food and beverage (F&B) facilities will create a new luxury paradigm, said Tamdeen in its statement.

The extension to the retail mall will increase the footfall by at least 30 per cent to over 18 million discerning visitors. The tennis complex will have a combined stadium seating for over 7,600 people across two main arenas, each with the capacity to hold 4,000 and 1,600 people respectively, eight indoor courts with over 500 seats and eight outdoor courts with 1,500 seats.

Sheikh Ahmad said the tennis complex will become one of the world’s best facilities in line with ITF and ATP standards, thus putting Kuwait on the world’s tennis map. "We are drawing the best of designs from similar tennis facilities globally and will provide Kuwaitis with playing conditions that will match the world’s best," he stated.

In order to enhance the “event experience”, spectators will have direct access to the tennis arena from 360 Mall, the 2,000-car multi-storey parking, and from the 6th Ring Road. There would be a seamless relationship between the mall, the tennis facility and the hotel.

“The main tennis arena when not being utilised for tournaments will serve as an entertainment anchor for 360 Mall and provide a venue for leisure and recreation with a year-long calendar of events and activities,” said Al Marzouq.

Tamdeen said amongst its stores are a mix of luxury brands, dining and entertainment, many of which were introduced for the first time in Kuwait, offering shoppers and visitors exciting leisure and shopping experiences.

The mall’s elegant interiors include seven different experience zones.

Sheikh Ahmad said: "Kuwaitis have a long history of tennis and we produce some of the top players in the GCC.  It is time we showcased to the world our sporting prowess and infrastructure. Few facilities in the world offer such indoor tennis facilities adjacent to a fine range of outdoor courts. This is unprecedented except for the Grand Slam grounds."

"Additionally, the facilities will provide a base for a tennis club which will cater to the young aspiring sportsmen in Kuwait and give them a venue like no other. For young people, the location will have greater attraction because of the retail, entertainment and leisure opportunities in the immediate 360 Mall vicinity," he added.-TradeArabia News Service