PHOTO: First underground mall in Almaty

First underground mall Almaly will open in Almaty in March, Tengrinews.kz reports. Architects have presented drafts of the new building on Facebook. “An underground walkway is being constructed to join Almaly mall with the opposite side of the Republic Square. Two entrances to the walkway are located on both sides of the Independence monument. The walkway will have around 20 shops selling gifts, accessories, national souvenirs, as well as services: pharmacy and dry-cleaning,” public relations manager of Almaly Trade Nina Petunina said. Almaly mall will have two trade levels with the total area of 25,000 square meters and three levels of underground parking with the total area of 10,000 square meters. Both ground and underground parking lots provide 550 parking spots. The mall will have over 60 stores of famous brands and food court that will include Il Gusto, Starburger, El Taco, Southern Fried Chicken, Baskin Robbins, Nazik and Coffemania. The mall was supposed to have been constructed by 2010, but the construction was suspended in 2008 because of the economic crisis.