SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is redesigning and expanding its Mall of Asia (MOA) by 250,000 square meters to a total floorplate of 650,000 sqm so that it will rank as one of the largest malls in the world as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.
SM Prime Chairman Henry Sy, who once called this mall, the greatest project of his life, had a vision to build one of the largest malls in Asia which will not just be a shopping complex but a premier destination.
Sy’s vision was for shoppers and tourists alike to come together to have a unique leisurely experience. “The mall will be a major Asia Pacific destination,” Sy said at that time.
Architect’s perspective and aerial view of the expanded SM Mall of Asia. (Photo courtesy of SM Supermalls)
SM Mall of Asia opened in May 2006 as the flagship development of SM on its 60-hectare reclaimed land along the scenic Manila Bay in Pasay City.
The mall introduced the first Olympic-size skating rink and the first IMAX theater in the country. It also opened the Science Discovery Center now called The Exploreum and a state-of-the-art Bowling Center.
Ten years later, the mall is set to once again revolutionize the Philippines’ concept of a mall. SM Supermalls senior vice president Steven Tan noted that SM Prime Holdings President Hans T. Sy wants it to have the “wow” factor.
“Hans Sy didn’t just want to expand the mall without giving a reason to the people. He said, if there was going to be an expansion, we have to ensure the success of the mall,” Tan said.
Thus, they tapped Miami-based Arquitectonica to design a FIFA World Cup-size soccer field mounted on the mall’s roofdeck. A botanical garden that blends with a spectacular view of the bay will also be built.
Meanwhile, the Olympic-size skating rink which will be relocated to the third floor is targeted to be ready by the end of the year. A food hall, dolled up with designer furniture in tune with the mall’s modern look, will also open on the third level.
New brands are also set to come in including Swedish clothing giant H&M which is slated to introduce a 3,000 square meter flagship store that promises to be something unique.
The mall also recently unveiled a “solar carpark.” The 2.7 megawatt MOA solar carpark, in partnership with Solar Philippines, is nearly twice the size of the 1.5 MW SM North Edsa Solar Carpark, making it one of the world’s largest on-site solar projects. Comprised of 10,426 solar panels and 40 inverters, it supplies nearly 20 percent of the mall’s power needs.
To add to the dynamic developments in the 60-hectare MOA complex, Conrad Manila, SM Prime’s deluxe hotel is set to open in June this year with a new retail podium called S’Maison which will house unique concept stores as well as luxury retail stores, fine dining restaurants and state-of-the-art cinemas.
Another latest development, the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Museum is taking shape which will give visitors a unique experience in learning the history of the 250-year-old global trade route where the Philippines and Mexico played major roles.
The museum will highlight the galleon trade’s impact on today’s commerce, banking, travel, and cultural exchange. The dome will showcase the actual process of building a galleon, while exhibiting relics such as porcelain, gold, and other goods that were traded in the Spanish era.