On Thursday, November 24th, the 'city' of The Mall Athens was illuminated during the most impressive Inauguration Event ever held in Athens. The Mall Athens, the largest international-calibre shopping and leisure centre in Greece and amongst the largest in Southeastern Europe, welcomed the first 2,000 visitors during a radiant celebration of lights and entertainment, inaugurating a new era in the daily life of Athens.
Offering approximately 200 retail and entertainment choices in an area of nearly 58.500 m2 and 90,000 m2 of underground space, The Mall Athens constitutes a unique "product" for the Greek business and consumer markets. For the first time, all age groups will have the opportunity to enjoy numerous combinations of innovative shopping and entertainment options all strategically located in Maroussi, the 'heart' of Attica, and one of the most easily accessible suburbs from every direction.
The Mall Athens, the one and only authentic mall of Attica, is expected to become the main attraction point for the Athenian public. For the first time, one single destination offers: the largest and most renowned retail chains, restaurants, a food court, innovative multiplex cinemas, entertainment areas, special children's facilities, numerous assistance services, ample storage space and a 2,065 parking capacity.
The Mall Athens was developed by LAMDA Olympia Village (subsidiary company of LAMDA Development), whilst the Centre will be managed by ECE-LAMDA Hellas S.A. More than 2,500 jobs are expected to be created from the operation of the Centre.
During the official Inauguration Event, guests were given the opportunity to tour the multiple levels of the The Mall Athens, and admire the brand-new stores and entertainment areas, including internationally renowned brands, a few of which are entering the Greek market for the first time.
The Inauguration Event commenced with welcome addresses from Mr. Apostolos Tamvakakis, President of LAMDA Development, Mr. Panagiotis Tzanikos, Mayor of Maroussi and Mr. Dimitris Sioufas, Minister of Development.
Following the speeches, The Mall Athens transformed into a brilliant "city of lights". Accentuating the impressive multi-level architecture of The Mall Athens, the internationally renowned artist Gert Hof created a unique light-show and firework performance accompanied by musical compositions of Rammstein, the internationally acclaimed German band.
The event concluded with the star of the evening, Sakis Rouvas, who mesmerized guests with a first-time rendition of the all-time favourite song "Fly me to the Moon," * in a jazz composition exclusively composed for the The Mall Athens by composer, Mr. George Niarchos, who directed a 20-member band during the performance.
The Inauguration Event was preceded by an Opening Blessing Ceremony for the Commercial and Leisure Centre with the presence of all the tenants and LAMDA Development executives.
The Mall Athens officially opened to the public on November 25, 2005.
Source: CIVITAS
