Westmount Mall has been acquired by Farhi Holdings, according to discussions among London residents on social media. The purchase comes as several businesses are relocating from the mall to standalone buildings in the surrounding area.
The mall has seen a wave of businesses moving to external locations, including plans for a noodle bar, burrito place, Dairy Queen, chicken restaurant, and nail salon. These establishments are positioning themselves in standalone buildings rather than remaining within the mall structure.
According to local discussions, businesses prefer external locations because they can operate with extended hours beyond typical mall restrictions. The move also provides greater visibility and eliminates the need for customers to walk through the mall to reach their destination.
One resident noted that companies are willing to pay more for exterior buildings that allow them greater flexibility with operating hours and visibility. The change also removes competition from other food court options and gives businesses more control over their operations.
The mall currently houses several medical offices on the second floor, which have been operating successfully since the conversion began nearly a decade ago. The upper level was transformed into business and medical office space, making it appear vacant from the outside while actually being occupied.
Westmount Mall also features Planet Fitness, which maintains 24/7 access, and Reptilia, a reptile attraction that draws visitors to see various species including dwarf caimans, Nile crocodiles, Burmese pythons, and reticulated pythons. The facility recently showcased an animal named Pearl, which impressed recent visitors.
Superking, a popular grocery store within the mall, remains a primary draw for many shoppers. Local residents express concern about the future of the store following the ownership change.
The acquisition has raised questions about future development plans. Previous proposals included building apartment buildings on top of the mall structure, though the status of these plans remains unclear following the ownership transfer.
Farhi Holdings owns significant property throughout London, with a portfolio that includes various commercial and residential buildings across the city. The company’s acquisition strategy has focused on properties in key locations throughout the urban core and surrounding areas.
The trend of businesses moving from enclosed malls to standalone locations reflects broader changes in retail preferences. Customers increasingly prefer direct access to stores and restaurants rather than navigating through mall corridors, particularly for quick visits or takeout orders.
Some residents have suggested converting the main floor retail space into small apartments while maintaining the medical offices upstairs. This mixed-use approach could create a retirement community with common areas and convenient access to healthcare services.
The mall’s transformation reflects the ongoing evolution of retail spaces in London, where traditional enclosed shopping centres are adapting to changing consumer preferences and business needs.
The property’s location near major traffic routes makes it attractive for businesses seeking high visibility and easy customer access. The shift toward standalone buildings allows for more flexible lease terms and operational independence compared to traditional mall tenancy agreements.
As the redevelopment plans move forward, the future of existing tenants and the overall structure of Westmount Mall will depend on the new ownership’s vision for the property and its role in the surrounding commercial district.