"As a pioneer in this industry, we are bringing a totally newshopping culture to the market," Disic adds in a release announcingthe leasing milestone. The $117-million project, says Disic, "isgoing to transform shopping and the fantastic entertainmentfacilities will make it a major attraction not only for the peopleof Belgrade, but for the whole country." Besides 120 stores, DeltaCity's footprint will include a bowling alley, cafes andrestaurants, 10-screen movie theater and a separate play area forchildren.

Retailing headliners at Delta City will range from Bestseller,Esprit and Marks & Spencer to New Yorker, Sport Impuls andZara, while there will also be a Maxi supermarket and aTechnomarket. Colliers International Serbia is exclusive leasingagent for the property. CIS general manager Jovica Jakovac callsthe assemblage of Colliers and Delta "a great team" whose membershave extensive retail experience in the region. "We are extremelyproud to have worked with Delta on this brilliant mall and to havebrought such big names to the capital city," says Jakovac. Besidesa cutting-edge design from Israeli architect Ami Mur and the slateof well-known stores, Delta City benefits by being accessible fromthroughout Belgrade via both automobile and public transportation,says Disic. A parking garage for 1,700 vehicles is also included inthe design.

The mall is just one of several retail properties beingdeveloped by Delta throughout Southeastern Europe, includinganother center under way in Belgrade. That project is described byDisic as a regional shopping venue. Elsewhere, the company isworking on Delta City Montenegro in Podgorica, the Republic ofMontenegro's largest city. The 183,000-sf center there is slated toopen next spring.