Nausori has now become one of the fastest-growing towns in Fiji following the launch of a double-story mall worth $25 million.
The proposed AMRAS mall was launched on Wednesday by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad at the AMRAS family at the AMRAS yard in Lakena, Nausori.
Speaking at the launch event, he said it was very pleasing to see local investors taking part in important investments like this.
“I’m particularly pleased that we have a group of company, from its humble beginnings in the 1990s, to growing up into a reputable and a forceful investor,” Prof Prasad said.
“I know that the AMRAS mall is going to be a landmark, a milestone in the journey of this beautiful family-owned company. I’m told it’s a $25m investment and is expected about 100 employment during the construction period and growing to about 300 as a result of its completion.
“This is also going to create a lot of multiplier effects. I know that there are a lot of players for other developments within Nausori. We feel that Nausori is already a grown area. You have the airport, a new five-star super specialty hospital which is going to be built Nasinu. This is a hospital that has been promised by the Indian government, it will be funded by the Indian government.
“The airport, Nausori town, and right up to Suva, beyond Suva, Lami, Navua, Nausori is going to be a very, very important contributor to our economy.” Mohammed Lateef, of Ideal Designs said the mall would have an area of approximately 19,500 square meter in Lakena.
“The groundbreaking is scheduled to commence in the beginning of the year 2024 and achieve completion and handover of the project in the middle of the year 2025. However, from the positive project launch and the stakeholders support, the end of the construction phase seems very near from the beginning,” he said.
“The proposed AMRAS Mall will consist of two major floors connected with escalators and a lift. The ground floor accommodates approximately a 3000 sqm supermarket space, and the remaining includes five ATM’s (automated teller machines) space and 15 mixed retail spaces to lease out to pharmacies, hair salons, medical clinics, variety shops, seafood supply, departmental stores and businesses houses to name a few.
“The first floor accommodates nine kiosk spaces with 550 sqm food court space, 12 more mixed retail and offices spaces with 1153 sqm most needed event centre to host any event such as weddings, conferences, birthdays, etc.”
Meanwhile, in September, Local Government Minister Maciu Katamotu launched a new $55m six-story Rastun City Nausori complex project that was to be constructed on the 7500 sqm land at the old Nausori market site. The proposed complex was expected to also include supermarkets, bakeries, food courts, retail shops, and office space.
