In 2009, Atterbury acquired a stake in former sugar estate land in Moka, Mauritius. The vision was ambitious: to create a major retail and lifestyle destination. On 29 September 2011, Bagatelle Mall opened its doors. Today, following successive extensions and upgrades, it has grown into one of Mauritius’ leading shopping and lifestyle destinations, with more than 63,000m² of gross lettable area and over 200 stores.

Now, another chapter in Bagatelle’s evolution is underway.

Reimagining Bagatelle’s leisure precinct

For more than a decade, Cinema Star anchored this area of Bagatelle, supported by a mix of tenants in the surrounding spaces. Following the cinema’s closure in January 2026, the opportunity emerged to rethink the wider precinct rather than simply replace one attraction with another.

The result is a new node that transforms both the former cinema and surrounding tenant areas into a more integrated destination for dining, leisure and social connection. Currently under construction, the redevelopment moves away from the enclosed nature of the former precinct towards a more open, contemporary environment that connects naturally with the rest of the mall. Atterbury is supporting Ascencia as technical and development partner on the project, working alongside design partner Morphos architecture + interiors.

The new precinct brings together three complementary elements:

  • Interactive leisure experiences that broaden Bagatelle’s existing recreational offering.
  • An expanded selection of restaurants and food concepts, creating more choice for different occasions.
  • Flexible communal areas that can accommodate activities and events.

Designing for experience, not just convenience

The new node has been designed to support the broader dining and leisure offering, with generous seating, greenery and open social spaces creating an inviting environment for visitors to meet, eat and enjoy everything the precinct has to offer.

A substantial new children’s play area, together with specialty retail units and food kiosks, will add to the variety of activities and services available in this part of the mall. The focus is on giving visitors more reasons to return and more ways to enjoy their visit.

A long-term partnership, still evolving

What began with the shared vision of developing Bagatelle Mall has evolved into a long-term strategic partnership between Atterbury and Ascencia, built on trust, shared expertise and a common vision for sustainable growth in Mauritius.

Bagatelle was originally developed through a partnership between Atterbury and ENL, before becoming the flagship asset of Ascencia. In 2018, Atterbury further strengthened its relationship with Ascencia by formally becoming a strategic partner through the acquisition of a stake in the company.

The strength of this relationship lies in the complementary expertise each partner brings. Ascencia and ER Group (formerly ENL and Rogers) contribute extensive local market knowledge, established relationships, investment capacity and a deep understanding of Mauritian consumers. Atterbury brings its retail property development and asset management experience, technical expertise and track record in creating successful retail destinations.

Together, these strengths have supported a relationship that extends well beyond the original development of Bagatelle. Over the years, Atterbury’s involvement has included the Bagatelle Home & Leisure extension, Bo’Valon Mall, the refurbishment of Riche Terre and the integration of Phoenix Mall with the Metro rail development, working alongside Ascencia and its local partners, including EnAtt and ER Group.

Today, the partnership continues to create new opportunities. Alongside the ongoing evolution of Bagatelle, Atterbury is working with Ascencia and Alteo on Mall de Flacq, a new 24,000m² lifestyle destination in eastern Mauritius.

From developing new destinations to repositioning existing assets, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating and managing retail environments that remain relevant, respond to changing market needs and deliver long-term value.

What’s next

Construction is progressing on Bagatelle’s new leisure precinct, with opening targeted for November 2026, ahead of Mauritius’ summer holiday and festive season.

The redevelopment will introduce a new mix of dining and leisure experiences, with several tenants already confirmed and announced, including Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s, Hungry Lion, Yolé, Domino’s, La Fabrik Artisanale, Au Feu de Bois, Beu Tea, La Maison Bao, Poco Y Loco and Canelo Boulettes.

Together with new leisure attractions and welcoming social spaces, these additions will further broaden Bagatelle’s offering, creating more opportunities for visitors to shop, dine and enjoy the centre.

We’ll share further updates as the project approaches completion.

Good development is never really finished

Bagatelle’s story demonstrates an important principle of retail property: a successful mall cannot remain static.

Customer expectations change. Retailers change. Communities grow. And the role a shopping centre plays in people’s lives changes with them.

Fifteen years after Bagatelle first opened, Atterbury is proud to remain part of that evolution, working with Ascencia to ensure a destination we helped create continues to respond to the market and the people it serves.

Because good development isn’t only about what you build. It’s about creating places with the capacity to evolve, remain relevant and continue delivering value long after opening day.