The demolition of The Hague's 30,000 m² covered shopping centre the Megastores is once again being postponed. Work on the residential boulevard will now not start until 2027, instead of the previously planned 2025. Enno Otten, director of project developer COD, said the delay was due to the complexity of the project, which involves several parties.
Megastores in The Hague.
Currently, more than half of the shopping centre is empty. The two upper floors are almost completely empty, while the ground floor still shows some activity by a supermarket and fast food chain. Otten confirmed that the shopping centre is now 45 percent let and that there are opportunities for new entrepreneurs, albeit for short periods.
Retailers in the Megastores are trying to make the best of the situation. A furniture shop manager sees the delay in demolition as an opportunity, while a saleswoman laments the vacancy. Visitors' reactions are mixed; some think it is a shame that the mall is disappearing, while others are looking forward to the new developments.
Source: Omroep West