SF aims to attract with Megabangna ‘magnets’
Marvel Experience to hit Southeast Asia
SF Development Co, the developer of Megabangna shopping mall, aims to open two new magnets, including the US Marvel Experience, at its complex by mid-year as part of its megacity transformation efforts.
President Paphitchaya Suwandee said the first Marvel Experience in Southeast Asia will offer customers an interactive entertainment park starting in May, followed in August by Didyasarin, an international preparatory school, which is affiliated with the American School of Bangkok.
The opening of both anchors, costing 2 billion baht, will boost the total retail space to 220,000 square metres.
SF is also spending 1 billion baht to develop a child’s education and activity centre on 10,000 sq m in connection with the existing Mega-kids zone to strengthen the mall’s focus on family fare.
The education centre is scheduled to be built this year, opening in the second half.
The new magnets are being built to fulfil the company’s ambitious Megacity project, featuring residential projects, a hotel and office building covering 400 rai.
The development is intended to respond to economic growth spurred by the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor project, which is intended to attract foreign investment in the eastern part of Thailand, particularly Rayong, Chon Buri and Chachoengsao provinces.
Mrs Paphitchaya said Bang Na is one of Bangkok’s most desirable suburban areas, adding it has high spending power, exceptional educational opportunities and proximity to the international airport and eastern seaboard.
She said more investment in mass public transport projects, including the new MRT line and light monorail, will further provide a boost.
“We envision Megabangna to be the centrepiece of a modern community, a destination for people to work, live and enjoy free time shopping, eating and meeting with friends,” said Christian Olofsson, Shopping Centre & Mixed Use director, Ikea Southeast Asia, which has a presence at the shopping centre.
The company also plans to team up with banks and payment providers like Alipay and WeChat to better serve customers.
SF expects the number of visitors to its complex to rise by 10% throughout 2018, up from 42 million visitors last year.