The Rimac district of Lima, Peru, is on the cusp of a significant economic and social shift with the construction of Lomas Plaza, the area’s first modern shopping mall. The project, spearheaded by developers Grupo Primax, is currently progressing rapidly, promising a recent retail and entertainment hub for residents who previously had to travel to other districts for such amenities. The anticipated opening of Lomas Plaza represents more than just a new shopping destination; it’s a signal of increased investment and development in a historically underserved area of the capital city.
For years, residents of Rimac have expressed a desire for a local shopping center offering a wider range of goods and services. Currently, the district relies heavily on smaller, local businesses and markets, with residents often venturing into neighboring districts like Miraflores or San Isidro for larger retail chains and entertainment options. Lomas Plaza aims to change that, bringing convenience and economic opportunity directly to the community. The project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs during both the construction phase and ongoing operation, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
Construction Progress and Key Features
According to recent reports from Perú Retail, construction of Lomas Plaza is well underway, with significant progress made in recent months. The mall is being built on a 40,000 square meter plot of land and will feature over 120 stores, a food court, a supermarket, and a six-screen movie theater. Grupo Primax is investing approximately $40 million USD in the project, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Rimac district. The design incorporates modern architectural elements and aims to create a welcoming and accessible space for all residents.
¡Así avanza la construcción de Lomas Plaza, el primer mall del Rímac! 🤩
Con más de 120 tiendas, un moderno supermercado, una variada oferta gastronómica y un cine con 6 salas, Lomas Plaza será el nuevo punto de encuentro de la comunidad rimense. 📍https://t.co/q9q9q9q9q9 pic.twitter.com/wJq9q9q9q9— Grupo Primax (@GrupoPrimax) February 15, 2024
The mall’s layout is designed to prioritize pedestrian flow and accessibility, with ample parking space and convenient access to public transportation. Grupo Primax has also emphasized sustainability in the construction process, incorporating energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly materials. The project aims to achieve LEED certification, a globally recognized standard for green building design and performance.
Impact on the Local Economy
The arrival of Lomas Plaza is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the Rimac economy. Beyond the direct jobs created by the mall itself, local businesses are anticipating increased foot traffic and potential opportunities for collaboration. The mall is also expected to attract investment in surrounding areas, leading to improvements in infrastructure and public services. The increased economic activity could also translate into higher tax revenues for the district, allowing for further investment in community programs and initiatives. However, some local business owners have expressed concerns about potential competition from the larger retail chains that will be operating within the mall. Grupo Primax has stated its commitment to working with local businesses to foster a collaborative environment and ensure that they can benefit from the increased economic activity.
Project Timeline and Inauguration Date
Construction of Lomas Plaza began in early 2023, and the project has remained on schedule despite some logistical challenges. Grupo Primax initially projected an inauguration date in the second half of 2024. As of February 2024, the company is still targeting this timeframe, with a potential opening in September or October. The exact date will depend on the completion of the final stages of construction and the securing of all necessary permits and inspections. Perú Retail reports that the structure is largely complete, with work now focused on interior finishing and the installation of mechanical and electrical systems.
The inauguration of Lomas Plaza is expected to be a major event for the Rimac district, with a planned celebration featuring local artists, musicians, and community leaders. Grupo Primax is also planning a series of promotional events and activities to attract shoppers and generate excitement around the new mall. The company is confident that Lomas Plaza will quickly become a popular destination for residents of Rimac and surrounding districts.
The development of Lomas Plaza is part of a broader trend of increased investment in Lima’s historically underserved districts. As the city continues to grow and evolve, developers are increasingly recognizing the potential of these areas and the importance of providing residents with access to modern amenities and economic opportunities. The success of Lomas Plaza could pave the way for similar projects in other districts, further contributing to the city’s overall economic development and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Residents interested in staying up-to-date on the progress of Lomas Plaza can follow Grupo Primax on social media (Twitter, Facebook) and visit the company’s website for official announcements and updates. The Rimac district municipality also provides information on local development projects on its official website.
The opening of Lomas Plaza is anticipated to be a significant milestone for the Rimac district, offering a new hub for commerce, entertainment, and community gathering. The next confirmed step is the completion of interior finishing and the final inspections, with Grupo Primax continuing to target a launch in the latter part of 2024. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this development and its potential impact on the Rimac community in the comments below.
