New B300mn Phuket mall to open in January
A new shopping mall on Phuket’s bypass road consting upward of B300 million is slated to open in January, bringing to the island the first “drive-thru” range of outlets, among 400 variety boutique stalls.
Workers broke ground at the site of the Bukis Phuket Mall, located on nine rai between Central Festival Phuket and the Big C shopping centre on the bypass road, on June 24.
“Bukis Phuket is the first street-style shopping complex that reflects Phuket’s direction of retail markets,” said Chairat Meepremwattana, Executive Director of project developer Multi Property Development Co Ltd.
“It will be a hub for local vendors, fashion, food and entertainment for Phuketians and tourists. A destination for those who would like to explore the local lifestyle and its culture.”
Total investment in the project is estimated at “about B300-400 million”.
“The outdoor shopping complex will have more than 400 variety stores, including speciality shops, to satisfy all customers,” said fellow Executive Director Somchai Meepremwattana.
“We are pushing it to be the ‘Heart of Phuket’, where people of any ages or groups can come and enjoy.”
The centre will be divided into four major zones: food court, drive-through service, shops and events.
“It will be the first shopping complex in Phuket to have many drive-through services that will be open 24 hours, with fast-food restaurants such as McDonald’s and KFC taking part in this new venue,” said Mr Chairat.
Parking spaces provided on site will accommodate more than 400 vehicles and 500 motorcycles.
“There will also be a special area reserved where entertainment, promotional events and concert can be held,” Mr Chairat added.
“We welcome all sort of stores such as local fashion shops, food stalls, restaurants, local service providers, and drive through services and we are interesting to see many stores offer wide range of interesting products at affordable prices. Mr Chairat said
Mr Chairat declined to cite shop unit rental rates, details about the source of funding or the rate of return on investment through the expected revenue generated through outlets at the mall in the opening year, but he said he has good faith the project will be a resounding success.
“We have been in the retail business for the past 20 years,” he noted. “We are working closely with our business associates – design company DC NINE Co Ltd, construction consultant CL Management, and contractor SSS&P Engineering Supply Co Ltd – in developing this project.
“Construction started on June 24 and is expected to be completed by January 2016 or earlier, and it is too early to estimate how long it will take [to recover investment outlay]or how much we will get back from this investment.”
