KUALA LUMPUR: Central Pattana Pcl (CPN), Thailand’s largest retail developer, has opened the RM850 million Central i-City shopping centre in Shah Alam, its first project outside the country.
The mall offers 940,000 sq ft of retail space and more than 350 stores on six levels. Among the tenants are Sogo, Village Grocer and TGV Cinemas.
CPN president and chief executive officer Preecha Ekkunagul said the project was important to CPN as it was the company’s first overseas venture.
“We spent considerable efforts five years ago studying various countries and sites (before coming to the decision).”
He said the shopping centre aimed to bring the best of Thai design, hospitality and retailing experiences to Malaysian customers, partners and tenants.
“Our legacy for this project is to create the ‘Centre of Life’ for the people of Selangor.
“We strive to create a strong sense of community wherever we have a presence and work with local governments, partners and groups to bring economic prosperity that enriches lives and neighbourhoods.”
He expressed confidence that the lifestyle and shopping destination could play a key role in the longer-term vision of Selangor.
Central i-City shopping centre is a joint venture between CPN (60 per cent) and i-City Properties Sdn Bhd.
CPN Malaysia chief operating officer Anthony Dylan said more than 1.6 million residents in Klang and Shah Alam could now enjoy the exclusive experience offered by Central i-City.
“Designed to meet the demands of high-urbane communities, Central i-City offers renowned brands in premium grocery, iconic fashion, entertainment, and a wide selection of cafes and restaurants.”
CPN has 40 years of experience in the retail development space. It manages 33 shopping centres under CentralWorld, CentralPlaza, CentralFestival, Central Phuket and Central i-City brands, with more than 70 million sq ft of total gross floor area space.