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Malls bet on parking space leases to draw shoppers

Friday, January 23, 2026 | 10 Views |

Diversifying streams: The Game City rooftop in Gaborone. More malls are monetising their parking spaces by leasing them out to various sports or other activities

Retail malls around the country are repurposing sections of their parking lots for commercial use as paddle courts and restaurant franchises, in a move industry insiders say is meant to drive more foot traffic to the shopping centres.

Gaborone’s largest shopping centres by Gross Lettable Area (GLA), which include Game City, The Fields, and Airport Junction, have leased out large chunks of their parking spaces to diversify service offerings and to enhance their competitiveness in the war for foot traffic.

By introducing food, sport, and leisure offerings at ground level, mall owners are hoping to increase time spent at their malls and translate higher visitor numbers into stronger sales for existing tenants.

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Malls bet on parking space leases to draw shoppers

Retail malls around the country are repurposing sections of their parking lots for commercial use as paddle courts and restaurant franchises, in a move industry insiders say is meant to drive more foot traffic to the shopping centres.