Farhi Holdings has acquired Westmount Mall, according to social media discussions among London residents. The timing’s notable because several businesses are bailing on the indoor mall setup and moving to standalone buildings nearby.

The exodus includes a noodle bar, burrito place, Dairy Queen, chicken restaurant, and nail salon. They’re all setting up shop in external buildings instead of staying inside the mall.

Social media posts point to a few reasons for the shift. Standalone locations mean no mall hours restrictions, better visibility from the road, and customers don’t have to trek through the building to find you. Some posts suggest businesses are willing to pay more for exterior spots because of the flexibility and control. No competing with other food court options, no shared foot traffic rules.

The mall’s second floor is actually full of medical offices. They’ve been there for nearly a decade since the upper level got converted to business and medical space. It looks vacant from outside, but it’s not.

Planet Fitness operates 24/7 in the building, and Reptilia draws visitors who want to see dwarf caimans, Nile crocodiles, Burmese pythons, and reticulated pythons. The facility recently showcased an animal named Pearl.

Superking grocery store remains a major draw. Local residents have expressed concern about whether the store will stick around after the ownership change.

Previous development proposals floated the idea of building apartment buildings on top of the mall structure. Whether those plans are still on the table under new ownership hasn’t been confirmed.

Farhi Holdings owns significant property throughout London, including various commercial and residential buildings across the city. The company’s focused on properties in key locations throughout the urban core and surrounding areas.

The standalone trend makes sense. Customers want direct access for quick visits or takeout, not a walk through empty corridors. The shift gives businesses more flexible lease terms and operational independence compared to traditional mall agreements.

Some online discussions have suggested converting the main floor retail space into small apartments while keeping the medical offices upstairs. The idea would create a mixed-use setup, possibly a retirement community with common areas and healthcare access built in.

The property sits near major traffic routes, which helps explain why businesses want those exterior spots. High visibility, easy customer access.

What happens to existing tenants and the overall structure depends on what Farhi Holdings has planned for the site.