Town Center Grand Opening in Hampton

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - The Peninsula Town Center in Hampton is officially open for business. Dozens of news stores opened at the former Coliseum Mall site Thursday. The region now has a new place to eat, shop, and live.

The Coliseum Mall was built in 1973 and demolished 34 years later in n 2007.

Mall Properties Incorporated and the City of Hampton invested nearly $280 million in bringing the shopping, dining, office and living space back to the Coliseum area.

Shopper Candice Frye told WAVY.com "It's been a long time coming. It's great for Hampton's economy. I'm sure they'll get a lot of money coming in from the shops."

April Van Liew of Gloucester smiled as she walked around the finely manicured streets with her mother. She carried a bag in her hand from Olive Ole'. Van Liew told WAVY.com "I got a job today!!!" When asked where she will work, Van Liew's smile grew as she laughed, "Olive Ole'!"

There are more than fifty restaurants and stores already open around an outdoor square. The restaurants, retail shops, and businesses will eventually employ an estimated 3,000 people.

Hampton resident Lisa Hanley said, "This is great for Hampton. The old mall needed to come down and this is a great improvement."

Business owner Brent Staul is expecting a financial improvement by moving Mekos Surf, Skate and more into the center. "Our last year was our worst year. We decided to close the door and get prepared for this opening... By moving into a more retail focused area and them bringing in the entertainment as well as the retail was big for us. So providing that safe place for kids to come and get out of the weather, it was a good mix for both of us."

Staul, who lives in York County, is scheduled to re-open the indoor skate park and retail shop on March 22. He said he's looking forward to sharing company with the likes of Five Guys Burger's & Fries, Gymboree, and Macy's.

"We had to make a decision if we wanted to competitive with the national chains, we had to move ourselves into that retail focused area," Staul explained.

Several other new businesses are also on the way. Blue Ridge Mountain Sports will open soon.
Next fall Bryant & Stratton College will welcome students to its new campus above Barnes and Noble.

Luxury apartments at the center are already at 96 percent occupancy.

Hampton Mayor Molly Ward told WAVY.com she's excited about the future. "It's not just about the revenues, it's about creating a place where people want to live and work," Ward said.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of stores at Hampton's new Peninsula Town Center.