Central Pattana (CPN) confirmed that it will be building a mega complex opposite its Central Festival Phuket shopping mall, local media reported. The new project will cost THB20 billion to develop and comes after years of speculation that the retail developer would be building another project in Phuket.
The Central Phuket complex is part of the company’s THB60 billion plan to develop and renovate 10 shopping centers throughout Thailand between now and 2018, CPN president and CEO Preecha Ekkunagul revealed at a recent press conference.
“We aim to strengthen the country’s economy and develop innovative lifestyle and tourism hubs, renovating five existing locations and building five more from scratch over the next two years,” Preecha was quoted as saying by the Phuket Gazette.
CPN will be making Central Phuket its flagship project on the island and it is expected to be open by the end of next year. The massive complex will feature two shopping centers equipped with several amenities to cater to both luxury and casual guests. It is also being developed to appeal to both Thais and tourists.
In addition to the shopping options, there will also be a hotel and a convention center at Central Phuket along with Mystic Forest, an aquarium and a floating market. The Mystic Forest is a futuristic wonderland green zone combining advanced technology with Thai culture and a range of adventurous activities for visitors, Preecha explained to the newspaper.
The aquarium, known as Aquaria, is a joint venture with a Malaysian company that will feature an underwater world and gardens. The developer noted that the facility will be the largest aquascape in the world when completed.
There will also be a floating market dubbed Tales of Thailand. This zone will sell products from the different regions of Thailand and is expected to help the mall draw in tourists.
