New life is being breathed into Chilliwack Mall.
Several new tenants, including the latest, Carter's/OskKosh, will be part of the grand re-opening excitement this spring, said officials.
The $11-million renovation and upgrade of the 30-year-old shopping centre is nearing completion.
The mall redevelopment undertaken by owners Retrocom Mid-Market Real Estate Investment Trust saw both interior and exterior improvements made over the winter to make way for the new mall tenants.
The new stores include: a 26000-sq.ft. Winners, a 24000-sq.ft. SportChek, 5,500-sq.ft. Reitmans and the newly announced addition of a 5,000-sq.ft. Carter's/OshKosh.
"It's fantastic," said Ross Stathers, director of leasing and development for SmartCentres. "We're right on track and about three-quarters through the $11 million revitalization of the shopping centre."
Construction will be completed around the end of February, and heavy-hitters Winners, SportChek and Reitmans are expected to be open the end of March, followed this spring by Carter's/OshKosh.
When former mall anchor Walmart relocated from Chilliwack Mall to a superstore location in Eagle Landing in November 2010, it allowed Chilliwack Mall ownership to consider a reconfiguration and upgrade of the existing space on Luckakuck Way to make room for new tenants.
Shoppers will find a refreshed centre, with brand-new tile flooring, upgraded ceilings and washrooms, and modern lighting.
Comfy seating is going into the mall where shoppers can sit down and take a load off their feet in a nice atmosphere, he said.
"It will have a modern and fresh look, and offer a satisfying place for families to shop in Chilliwack," said Stathers.
The new shops are positioned alongside existing stores like Safeway, Toys R Us, Warehouse One and the Liquor Store.
Shoppers from in and around Chilliwack, as well as up and down the valley, are bound to appreciate the new shops, as well as the existing stores and services at the mall, said Pamela Law, property manager of Chilliwack Mall with Arcturus Realty.
"We serve a role in the community, as a strong centre of convenience but also for bringing in destination retailers," she said.
A significant refurbishment and renovation of the mall is wrapping up, which will also serve to strengthen its position in the marketplace, said Stathers.
"It will certainly draw people from far and wide," he said. "We've seen a lot of growth in Chilliwack, and we're trying to satisfy the retail service needs that come with that growth."
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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