The concept of mixed-use buildings is not new, yet we have seen a large number of projects built for diverse purposes. Even in Pakistan, the trend has encapsulated, specifically in Islamabad; you will find spacious corporate offices across big business centers in the city.
If you look at the city’s master plan, there are a couple of malls in Islamabad that are developed to serve multi-purpose propositions. There are so many others that are under-constructed. Also, throughout the country, such developments are underway.
There is no doubt of this fact. How we live shapes our present, future, and past eventually.
In today’s real estate, due to the rising demand for mixed-use buildings, the concept of general shops has started obsoleting; now, entrepreneurs are more inclined to invest in mixed-use commercial properties for sale.
This is a brief transitioning guide about how investing in mixed-used business centers is better than general shops and how the former has taken the commercial world to another level.
Investment Guide for Mixed-use Buildings
The changed scenarios of today’s growing skyscrapers and mixed buildings have led the world to a new norm… “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” By Winston Churchill.
First thing first… how the concept has taken the world by storm?
Realtors and real estate constructors are developing hybrid structures, considering concerns like growing populations, changing environments, social requirements, and most importantly, limited resources.
Mixed buildings are property structures comprising commercial and residential propositions. Typically, it is trending where more than one commercial setting is being offered. While bringing in all-in-one facilities, entertainment, and amenities like an apartment, along with a little far or maybe down the shopping mall, gym, spa, and several other services in one place.
Let’s take a closer look at why you should opt for a mixed-use building than a general shop to invest your fortunes to;
Mixed-Use Buildings in Pakistan
Well, developers chose this investment option as it provides innumerable economic benefits, especially lower risks and higher returns on investment.
Before jumping into the benefits of being located in a multi-purpose building, let’s explore the types of mixed-use buildings.
- Classic main street property: These buildings are of two or three stories. Usually, businesses are on the ground floor, and residences are on the upper levels.
- Reside and work (mixed-use) property: It is popular amongst small owners; people reside in the same building while running the business. Creative professionals, like artists, writers, and photographers, have studios on the ground level. Whereas loft or beds upstairs.
- Multi-purpose property: It is the combination of retail shops, restaurants, entertainment spaces, fitness centers, and hotel rooms with condos to enjoy and cater public.
- Office-Commercial outlets: In the major metropolitan cities, the concept of corporate offices along with commercial outlets has already emerged. There is immense development in progress, as it’s the current need and trend of the real estate market.
- Retail-district Retrofit: Whether we live in a downtown, suburban, or any yet-to-develop area, this new happening of retail-district retrofit ideology is a new addition to real estate. We can avail of all the conveniences of retail outlets, shops, and some re-energized mixed-use makeovers.
Yet, there is vast scope in these mixed-use buildings in Pakistan, as well; they provide fresh and ever-conventional opportunities along with brick-and-mortar retail facilities across numerous industries.
Citadel 7, our upcoming corporate tower also falls in this category, caters to private labels and other small and medium-sized enterprises, and offers a great shopping experience to regular shoppers.
So many commercial spaces and malls in Islamabad are following this trend, including;
- Centaurus mall
- Safa Gold Mall
- Giga Mall
- The Moi Mall
- Z Mall
- Mall of Arabia
- Amazon outlet.
A couple of benefits or reasons why you should keep on investing in mixed-used property are;
- Improved workability and sustainability.
- Diverse portfolio
- No risk
- Huge market (diversified)
- Maximum opportunities.
Features of Mixed-use Buildings
The modern infrastructures in Pakistan abide by international standards. Let us study the features, along with the benefits, too. Also, it is essential to understand the concept of the structures of these mixed-use buildings in Pakistan.
So, let’s get started… a couple of articulate features are;
- Investment/profit-gaining opportunities are available, like, shops in malls, spa, and restaurants.
- Ultra-modern infrastructures are built-in artistically like investments in schemes giving high ROI.
- Sensational and has a fantastic interior/ indoors, like well-designed corridors and a parking facility.
- Eco-friendly and attractive outdoors like, the ventilation systems and go-green facilities providing cool roofs, energy-efficient windows, and solar power. Many more add-ons.
Why to Invest in Mixed-use Buildings
Wondering… why we are encouraging investments in malls of Islamabad, rather than general shops.
Security and Safety
It is one of the safest places to reside and work, as they are often equipped with 24/7 surveillance; since these are big developments, so are protected with gated entrances and security guards.
Even the available security/IT rooms also help in maintaining the security of the building and the people inside. The possibilities of theft and other mishaps can easily be controlled and managed.
Maximum Social Interaction
Mixed-use buildings are huge, offering multiple options for possessions, which means more people and more communication. In a commercial building, you may find people from all professions and interests.
Working in a mixed-use building creates a web of healthy, well-established social interactions among its occupants, which can help professionals to acquire contacts and improve their connections. It enhances community life, too.
Various Properties Under One Roof
Working/investing in a mall with multiple commercial settings means having a variety of options to switch between spaces.
If you find your current floor is crowded with so many unrelated business setups, you still have options to move your business setup to another floor, where you find complimentary and supplementary businesses.
Indoor Recreations
Employees’ productivity doubles if their leisure is respected.
Indeed, employees’ recreation directly affects their motivation and productivity; having a gym at your business means your employees will remain fit and healthy, reducing labor turnover and absenteeism.
In big business centers, you will find innumerable facilities, like gyms, open-to-sky lounges, shared cafes, gaming zones, and whatnot; so, invest where your employees will be happy and healthy.
Higher Foot Traffic
If your startup is located in a mixed-use building, like a shopping mall, the footfall of your business would be improved. Simply put a standee on different levels of the shopping center and attract potential customers without investing more dollars in other OOH marketing activities.
Often, big commercial buildings are located in busy localities, which definitely can help your brand leverage higher traffic.
Increased Brand Recognition
Shopping malls often have well-established brands, which can help to attract customers and increase the visibility of your business potential. Being located in a mall with well-known brands can be fruitful for smaller startups.
Sharing the place with big names helps the brand to create an aura of being a premium brand and leverage the reputation and credibility of big brands.
Professional Management
A professional team typically manages a mall, and they are backed up by strong strategies and backup plans. They are trained to manage and run big business centers as smoothly as possible. They often help brands to attract, retain and engage mall visitors.
If developed by big names and managed by reputable teams, being located in big corporate towers help businesses to increase the revenue and ROI of the individual business units.
Conclusion
“Business has two functions; marketing and innovation” by Milan Kundera.
And practically speaking, the location of your business comes under marketing; having a business setup in a big commercial tower builds an image of the business, and clients feel respected and appreciated visiting premium locations.
Keeping all of these in mind, we have chosen one of the business hubs of Islamabad, Blue Area, for our mixed-use corporate tower, Citadel 7. We are offering investment opportunities in terms of a food court, corporate offices, and retail outlets. All the propositions are well-built and are backed by the latest technology.
