Construction work is under way on Sharjah Mega Mall, located in Abu Shagara in the heart of Sharjah with certain aspects of the development having been redesigned to the client's requirements.

The project, being executed by Citadel Properties, comprises three structures: the Dh250 million ($68.12 million) Sharjah Mega Mall, construction of which is scheduled to be completed by mid-2001; a Dh90 million serviced apartments building with 350 units, work on which is expected to start by the year-end for completion in a year; and a Dh40 million multi-storey car-park, says Raffi Ayad, vice-president and general manager of Citadel.

The company has signed on Canada's Milne and Nicholls as general contractor and Australia's Crone Associates for the decor and theming concept of the mall.

The Mega Mall will comprise 400,000 sq ft of retail area spread over four levels and will house 170 stores. It will have an extensive family entertainment centre spread over 65,000 sq ft, including a seven-screen cineplex seating 1,300. South African cinema operator Star Century will manage the cineplex.

The top storey will include an entertainment centre, a food-court with 600 seats and 12 restaurants. Other features include indoor and outdoor parking for 1,400 vehicles with the six-storey car-park also housing residential units along the topmost tiers.

The 350-unit residential apartment block will have a swimming pool and health club. The apartment block will be connected to the shopping centre via a pedestrian bridge.

The Mega Mall will house a 40,000 sq ft supermarket and four department stores of 20,000 sq ft area each. There will also be a gold market and a textile market.

According to Citadel, response to this project is very good with almost 60 per cent of the area already booked.