Work on Marsa Village Retail Centre, the latest retail offering at The Wave, Muscat, has begun, enhancing the community appeal of Oman’s premier lifestyle destination.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held in November last year to mark the start of construction on the centre, which with a diverse retail offering and striking architecture, will provide a convenient everyday shopping experience for the residential development.

Michael Lenarduzzi, CEO, The Wave, Muscat said: “The Marsa Village Retail Centre will be the main retail and commercial focal point within the development, creating an opportunity for job creation at the heart of the development, giving back to the wider community in Muscat and Oman.

“The Wave, Muscat’s assets span diverse sectors and create a variety of opportunities: from the golf and marina operations to the hotel and hospitality industry, The Wave, Muscat is fast becoming the catalyst for long-term growth and employment in Muscat.”

The 10,850-sq-m centre, anchored by a 1,500-sq-m Waitrose convenience store, the first in Oman for the premium grocery chain – will include a selection of food and beverage outlets ranging from cafes to casual dining concepts, speciality retailers and service providers such as telecommunication and banking services.

In addition, balance, a new state-of-the-art, high-end fitness facility, and KidzFitPlay, a recreational concept for children and teenagers, have signed up as tenants in the well-being and beauty precinct. This precinct will also house a medical and dental facility and women’s beauty services on the third floor.

The 2,000 sq m of office space on the top floor will add a new dimension to the development’s facilities and will create a unique setting for some of Muscat’s most exciting business enterprises.

This newest addition to the development plan will allow tenants and visitors to work, live and entertain – all under one roof.

On completion, scheduled for the second quarter of 2014, the retail and commercial offering at Marsa Village and the Almeria retail precincts will reach nearly 14,000 sq m in total, increasing the retail experience nine-fold and positioning The Wave, Muscat as a destination of choice.