When the pandemic hit in 2020, like all other retail outlets or shopping malls around the world, Bay Street Complex in St Julian’s closed its doors due to the country’s mandatory partial lockdown. However, its management made sure not to miss this opportunity of downtime to regroup, re-evaluate its strengths and devise a plan on the way forward. This approach kicked off Baystreet’s redevelopment journey.

“In order for any kind of business to remain relevant in an ever changing world, it needs to  invent and reinvent itself alongside the taste and need of its clients. That is the kind of attitude Bay Street Group has taken in the past years, and in particular during 2021, when Bay Street Complex had a complete makeover,” Albert Galea, CEO of Bay Street Group, said.

Albert Galea, CEO, Bay Street Group. Photo: Daryl Cauchi

He added: “Looking at the upcoming generations, we are seeing growing patterns of people who are more likely to actively seek and enjoy change. People who want more than just what they are used to. Individuals who are happy to spread their wings and get a taste of as many different experiences as possible. In its core, this is the essence we have tried to capture when reinventing Bay Street Complex. We worked on turning one of Malta’s most sought-after locations into a one-stop-shop destination for dining, entertainment and shopping.”

Through an investment of circa €14 million, Bay Street was transformed completely, both centrally by the Bay Street Group, as well as by its tenants. This investment has led to both the complex and shops looking and feeling entirely new.

The complex was relaunched last June as a family destination, with new brands, restaurants and shops, as well as a 230-capacity car park.

The renovated brand mix, that is designed to meet the needs of both locals and tourists, includes Costa, Lindex, Sunlab, Harmont & Blaine, Gant, The Model Shop, Springfield, Swarovski, Urban Bratz, Calliope, Terranova, KIKO, Rainforest Cafe Malta, Lucy, Bortex, HEBE, Swatch, Dolce, Exotique, M&S, Original Marines, Missguided, Cioccolatitaliani, Pascucci, Manouche and Salad Box. These outlets have joined the growing list of familiar brands, namely Sterling Jewellers, Adidas, Skechers, Accessorize, Travellers, Jennyfer, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani Exchange, McDonald’s, Franks, Aldo, L’Occitane, Cortefiel, Women’Secret, Guess, Fluid, Planet Hollywood and Multimaxx.

The management is glad to be able to safely offer its visitors something completely new, in an environment that also offers outdoor areas for additional safety.

“We reinvented ourselves, to keep up with the times and to keep up with the taste of the current and upcoming generations. Reinvention takes courage, but it also greatly rewards those businesses who are not ready to settle and be happy with the way things have always been. Bay Street Group wants to be this kind of business,” Galea concluded.