BUHANGIN is being transformed from a laid-back district into one of the busiest areas in Davao City with the opening of another mall, Gaisano Grand Citygate.

The grand opening on Friday, October 19, was led by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Citygate Mall is Gaisano Grand Mall’s 38th mall. It houses a supermarket, department store, restaurants, and cinemas, among others.

The three-story mall opened with nearly 100 percent of leasable space taken.

“We are targeting to be fully occupied by December,” Grace Mantilla, corporate leasing manager told Sun Star Davao in an interview.

At present, the mall is 85-percent occupied by a mix of local and national tenants.

The mall is first to bring to the city Irvins, a Singapore-based snack brand.

Miniso and Starbucks are also expected to open.

Monette Dela Serna, store operations manager, said Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall offers an upscale mall experience and value for money at the same time as great deals, big discounts, and promos await every shopper.

The mall’s interior, she said, boasts of a garden-like setting. The mall’s activity area has an indoor fountain while its elevators are designed like a bird cage. The ceiling is accentuated with flower designs.

One of the mall’s interior designers is based in Singapore.

“For the location, it is very strategic. We are located in corner Tigatto and Cabantian. A lot of subdivisions are here, the density of population here is good for business,” she said.

The mall is part of a complex which is being developed by Grand Land Inc., which also includes a condominium project called Amani Grand Citygate.