A new community mall on Rama IV is currently under construction and slated to open in the first quarter of next year. The name of the project is Suanplern Market, and it is being developed by Athakravi Group. The mall will take up 11 rai opposite Maleenont Tower and will cost an estimated THB2 million.
Capt. Atichart Athakravisunthorn, director of Athakravi subsidiary Athakehaputt Co., said that the mall’s the two-storey is inspired by an industrial loft concept with the goal of replicating the feel of an old-time railway station.
Construction of Suanplern Market is 80 percent complete and 60 percent of the retail space has already been booked, according to The Bangkok Post. A Makro Food Service will anchor the space with 205 shops also on-site. The mall will have nearly 10,000 sqm space as well as 300 parking spots.
The mall can be reached from the expressway as well as from Asoke Road. The company believes the development will be a popular spot for Thai families and expats living in the Sukhumvit and Rama IV areas and office workers within a five-kilometre radius from the mall including the Esso Building, Maleenont Tower, Sirinrat Building, Manorom Building and Green Tower.
“We recognize the growth potential in the Rama IV area,” Capt. Atichart said. “Homes and offices have limited space nowadays, so we want our community mall to become a second home where people can come to relax and enjoy activities together.”
However, there is no shortage of competition in the area. Suanplern Market will be near a Tesco Lotus and Big C as well as the popular K Village community mall. The company hopes its project has enough unique selling points and market segmentation to be successful.
According to Capt. Atichart, the project will break even in seven years and he hopes that around 7,000 to 8,000 people visit the mall on a daily basis once open.
