A new mall set to transform east Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — East Bakersfield is on the cusp of a major transformation.

In early September, the City Planning Commission approved the development of a new outdoor shopping center with a new name, ‘City Lights Mall.’

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The project will take over the site of the former East Hills Mall, an area that has long been viewed as neglected.

For years, the east side of town has struggled with underinvestment and has often been seen as the less prosperous side of town, compared to other parts of Bakersfield.

However, this new development aims to change that perception by bringing a vibrant hub of retail, dining, and entertainment.

Some that were out shopping on the East side, like Irma and Eddie Gomez, took the news very well.

After living in east Bakersfield for over 45 years, Irma said this is something that’s been long awaited.

“The community’s been waiting, I mean East Hills, we do shopping, we spend the money, it would be nicer if we spend it on this side instead of going clear across because we’re still gonna spend the money,” said Gomez.

The city said community members can expect this to look very similar to the Shops at Riverwalk.

“It’s exciting that they wanna do an outdoor mall type thing, shopping, maybe some good eateries, maybe an in n out, who knows, but it’s good for the area, especially there’s a lot of housing now in the northeast area, so I think it would be good for the area,” she added.

“I would like to see more restaurants over here, hamburger stands, In-N-Out. I get tired of going across town to get a burger,” said her husband, Eddie Gomez.