"As a pioneer in this industry, we are bringing a totally new shopping culture to the market," Disic adds in a release announcing the leasing milestone. The $117-million project, says Disic, "is going to transform shopping and the fantastic entertainment facilities will make it a major attraction not only for the people of Belgrade, but for the whole country." Besides 120 stores, Delta City's footprint will include a bowling alley, cafes and restaurants, 10-screen movie theater and a separate play area for children.

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

The mall is just one of several retail properties being developed by Delta throughout Southeastern Europe, including another center under way in Belgrade. That project is described by Disic as a regional shopping venue. Elsewhere, the company is working on Delta City Montenegro in Podgorica, the Republic of Montenegro's largest city. The 183,000-sf center there is slated to open next spring.