The Avenues phase III

Construction work is continuing on the New Expansion of The Avenues, which is scheduled to be inaugurated in September 2012. The construction is taking place in cooperation with a number of large international consultant houses and companies which designed the project and have been executing it since October 2009.
The New Expansion presents a new and unique concept to the world of shopping by bringing an exciting experience to shoppers in its different districts. The districts are inspired by the great cities of the world and boast a variety of architectural styles, making The Avenues the number one destination that visitors will one to come to again and again.

The New Expansion is Phase III of the project, stretching over an area of 100,000 square meters, with constructed areas coming to 425,000 square meters. This includes 90,000 square meters of leasing area holding more than 400 shops distributed among six unique and different districts: Prestige, Grand Avenue, The Mall, SoKu, The Souk, and The Bazaar. The project also includes a parking lot for 5,000 cars in three basement levels.

The districts of the New Expansion are:

Grand Avenue

Much like the Champs Elysees, the Grand Avenue is a truly beautiful, tree-lined boulevard that echoes a grand, regional shopping street with facades that bring together three schools of architecture; European, Local and Contemporary.
The Grand Avenue is an architectural masterpiece, with the boulevard extending 500 meters long and 22 meters wide. It is lined with shops along both sides, with small upper floor terraces, accessed by lifts and escalators, providing alternative access to the retail units on the first floor. This diverse and unique environment of the district adds to the shopping experience of its visitors.

Prestige
Elegance and luxury come together under one roof at Prestige, with its distinguished location overlooking the Fifth Ring Road. This district houses high-end brands, as well as several cafes and restaurants that present the essence of the best international culinary experiences. These are located on two floors that have been designed with attention to every detail. In the center is a dome that is 23 meters high and was built using luxurious materials in line with the high-end brands located under it, including Harvey Nichols.
Visitors of Prestige will receive no less than five-star service, providing them a shopping experience unlike any other.

The Mall
The Mall acts as the extension and the connecting link between Phases I and II of The Avenues. It includes a wide range of brands located on two floors. The classic Mall environment sets the tone with a clearly defined architectural style. A series of courtyard plazas and natural lighting provide ample space for cafes and restaurants which contribute to the lively atmosphere. This adds to the beautiful of this district, where contemporary modern architectural styles are incorporated to give prominence to the open areas and the shops.

Within The Mall is the Jewelry Souk which is designed to attract jewelry and gold lovers. The shops here are beautifully designed with elegant colors reflecting the magnificence of the merchandise on display, creating a masterpiece. The first floor of The Mall has been allocated for children’s entertainment with an area extending over 5,000 square meters including KidZania, the unique concept in family entertainment .

SoKu
The hip and funky SoKu takes its influence from New York’s bohemian Soho district. An acronym for South of Kuwait, SoKu is Kuwait’s answer to an iconic urban shopping experience. Attracting Kuwait’s young, trendy population, the district is perfectly poised to accommodate today’s leading youth brands. Edgy, city architecture provides a “street savvy” appeal and a cultural environment that encapsulate everything in up to the minute retailing.

Restaurants, cafes and bistros provide respite and meeting places to hang out and chill with friends. Tree shaded courtyards provide focal meeting spaces with food and beverage outlets strategically positioned within each courtyard to animate the space further.

The Souk
Modeled after the old Kuwaiti Souk, this district is an interpretation of this traditional regional retail architecture. The Souk at The Avenues is carefully designed to replicate the characteristics of the Souk environment, including wooden doors and roofs, giving both simplicity and authenticity to the district. Here an array of traditional products are on sale, including spices, dates, textiles, artifacts, gifts, and perfumes. Visitors can also enjoy delicious Kuwaiti food at the cafes and restaurants here.

The BazaarInspired by the Grand Bazaar located in the vibrant city of Istanbul, the Bazaar district at The Avenues evokes all the energy, authenticity and life of a traditional Bazaar. The district comprises vaulted walkways flanked by colonnaded shops, showcasing traditional products such as textiles, carpets, artifacts, furniture and houseware.

The New Extension of The Avenues is the first project ever in Kuwait to be completely covered with the ETFE material, which allows sun to pass through without the sensation of heat. This means that visitors can enjoy an experience that makes them feel like they are outdoors.

Designers of the New Expansion continued the theme of having a high roof, 28 meters high, as well as having wide entrances and corridors up to 30 meters wide. Fountains and water surfaces are diversified depending on the design of each district, and these are also adorned with different natural and artificial plants.

The districts of the New Expansion are interconnected, allowing easy and quick movement from one to the next. This gives visitors the sensation that they are moving between different shopping worlds. There are also several entrances to the New Expansion from the Fifth Ring Road and Mohammad bin Al-Qassem Street.

source: the-avenues.com