Delhi-NCR Real Estate: Grade A Malls Transforming into Urban Community Hubs
Explore how top Grade A malls in Delhi NCR, such as DLF Emporio, DLF Promenade, Ambience Mall, Select CITYWALK, Vegas Mall, and The Chanakya, are evolving into dynamic community centers that blend shopping with culture, wellness, and entertainment.
DelhincrGrade A MallsUrban Community HubsRetail LeasingLifestyle EcosystemsReal EstateJun 28, 2025
Footfalls spike on weekends and during cultural events as malls become gathering spots for families and friends rather than just shoppers. Malls are emerging as all-in-one lifestyle ecosystems, blending shopping with culture, wellness, and entertainment to meet the evolving expectations of the urban consumer.
According to Cushman and Wakefield’s report, retail leasing is on an upswing, with a 55% jump in the March 2025 quarter across India’s top eight cities; up from 15.56 lakh sqft to over 24 lakh sqft. High streets led the charge, accounting for nearly two-thirds of this activity at 16.9 lakh sq. ft., with prime locations in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad drawing the most interest from retailers. Mall leasing followed at 7.2 lakh sq. ft., signalling steady momentum.
In Delhi-NCR, particularly in Gurugram and Noida, a new generation of Grade A retail spaces is taking shape. Some of the top Grade A malls in Delhi NCR include DLF Emporio, DLF Promenade, Ambience Mall (Vasant Kunj and Gurgaon), Select CITYWALK, Vegas Mall, and The Chanakya.
Aligning with the metamorphosis, developers are thinking beyond retail and creating spaces where every experience unites. The retail mix here is carefully balanced with luxury brands, high-street favourites, experiential outlets, and diverse F&B options all under one roof. There’s a clear focus on intelligent zoning, seamless navigation, design-led spaces, and tech-backed infrastructure that enhances convenience while making the entire experience feel more fluid and engaging.
Pankaj Jain, founder and CMD of SPJ Group, said, “Retail in Delhi-NCR is rapidly evolving, and Gurugram is right at the heart of this transformation. We’re seeing a clear move towards spaces that offer more than just shopping, where people feel alive, and come across a mix of food, fashion, entertainment, and leisure all in one.”
As the city features Grade A retail spaces well-located in Gurugram’s densely populated corridors, our upcoming premium retail project is meticulously designed to be the preferred choice of visitors as a premium neighbourhood mall of Old Gurgaon. As developers, we’re fully tuned into that shift and focused on crafting spaces where every visit feels unique, engaging, and unforgettable, he added.
Arjun Gehlot, director of Ambience Malls, said, “As cities grow and lifestyles evolve, malls are playing a much bigger role in shaping the Indian retail landscape. In places like Gurugram, consumers are looking for richer, more meaningful experiences. Malls here are fast becoming social and cultural landmarks. With rising purchasing power, better metro connectivity, and major infrastructure projects, the city now rivals Delhi in attracting both global and homegrown brands.”
At Ambience Malls, we have leaned into this shift by building experiential ecosystems that go beyond retail, bringing together art, food, wellness, and entertainment. Our focus is on creating spaces that draw people in and keep them coming back for more, he added.
Moreover, Grade A malls across Delhi-NCR have become the new-age community hubs of urban India, and are evolving into lifestyle ecosystems that blend commerce with culture. Additionally, developers are responding with smarter design, better zoning, and an intentional mix of luxury, high street, and experiential brands. Add to that digital infrastructure like app-based loyalty programs, smart parking, and a strong focus on sustainability, which are making these spaces a hub that’s as dynamic as the people who visit it.
Saurabh Shankar Seth, vice-president of sales at AIPL, said, “With consumer preferences reshaping NCR’s retail landscape, especially in the Grade A malls and organised high street segment, it’s essential to respond with thoughtful, experience-led spaces. As developers, our focus is on creating destinations that serve a wide demographic. Whether it’s families dining out, individuals shopping for daily needs, or groups simply looking to unwind in outdoor social zones and weekend cultural events, our developments are designed to offer everything in one place. Thus, we believe this segment will continue offering a lifestyle ecosystem that appeals to a more discerning, urban audience.”
Therefore, as urban life in NCR grows denser and faster, the role of Grade A malls as community anchors will only become more vital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top Grade A malls in Delhi NCR?
Some of the top Grade A malls in Delhi NCR include DLF Emporio, DLF Promenade, Ambience Mall (Vasant Kunj and Gurgaon), Select CITYWALK, Vegas Mall, and The Chanakya.
How are Grade A malls transforming in Delhi NCR?
Grade A malls in Delhi NCR are transforming into dynamic community hubs that blend shopping with culture, wellness, and entertainment. They are becoming all-in-one lifestyle ecosystems that meet the evolving expectations of urban consumers.
What is the current trend in retail leasing in Delhi NCR?
According to Cushman and Wakefield’s report, retail leasing in Delhi NCR is on an upswing, with a 55% jump in the March 2025 quarter. High streets are leading the charge, followed by mall leasing, indicating steady momentum.
What are the key features of the new generation of Grade A retail spaces in Gurugram and Noida?
The new generation of Grade A retail spaces in Gurugram and Noida features intelligent zoning, seamless navigation, design-led spaces, and tech-backed infrastructure. They offer a balanced mix of luxury brands, high-street favourites, experiential outlets, and diverse F&B options.
How are developers responding to the evolving retail landscape in Delhi NCR?
Developers are responding to the evolving retail landscape in Delhi NCR by creating smarter, more experiential spaces. They are focusing on thoughtful design, better zoning, and a mix of luxury, high street, and experiential brands. Digital infrastructure and sustainability are also key components of their strategies.
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