By Anthony Dylan Anak Frankie Jurem
In countries, regions and states which I have visited, each would have at least one iconic shopping centre. Within Malaysia, each region and state and would have their own nostalgic heroes. But what makes them iconic? It must be widely recognized and well established. It must also be known for something distinctively special.
In my last few weeks, I visited three shopping centres which I feel are iconic. Central Market, Plaza Low Yat and Cheras Leisure Mall. Each of them has been managed very well to preserve their iconic status.
Central Market is a case of successful adaptive reuse. Previously a traditional market when it was bult in 1888, it first became Pasar Seni in 1986 before a new management came in and further cemented a refined identity as Central Market. The Central Market has truly cemented itself as a one-of-a-kind adaptive reuse of an old wet market. Its historic value and nostalgia did not stop it from being adapted to unique offerings. And continually still do.
Malaysian arts and culture have found a home when this place first became Pasar Seni or an Arts Market which was the driver of differentiation. As time went on, today it has evolved to fit perfectly into its name, Central Market. Surrounding it is the new Central Market Annexe and Kasturi Walk with the distinctive huge Wau Bulan structures.
The tenancy mix has evolved. The creation of “Pasar Besar” on the main floor has placed Central Market on a social community platform for hip and trendy culture. All it needs is a steadfast leasing strategy and a formidable marketing thrust.
The shopping centre property is professionally managed and would do well with good continuous asset enhancement initiatives to include new lighting and improved air quality. Space management opportunities are a creator’s dream especially on the two floors above. Unlocking cool avenues.
This is a gem of a property in the heart of historic Kuala Lumpur. Steps away from the famous Medan Pasar which is currently undergoing changes into a hub of culinary delights. It is also a short walk to Petaling Street.
The tourist crowd is strong even on weekdays. The public transport options include the LRT and MRT. Pedestrian walkways have improved surrounding the area. It is truly a must go to place for domestic and foreign tourists. Interestingly, the toilets are charged RM0.50 per entry. No one was complaining. They could make it more interactive with some digital art and make the toilets a must visit too. Of course, some sanity is required for decency.
The key element is that Central Market has soul. It connects the social and commercial elements. It provides an avenue for artistic expression and appreciation of history and the potential future.
Plaza Low Yat is an icon of Bukit Bintang. Lot 10 and Sungei Wang could not touch the iconic status of this place. This shopping centre has endured the tests of time since she opened in 1999. That was just before the millennium year set in.
It went on to provide the best assortment of products and services related to IT and Digital Technology throughout the years and has relegated IMBI Plaza towards eventual surrender. Many have tried to emulate Plaza Low Yat, which blazed through the naysayers in establishing a true IT and Digital Shopping Centre. They did what no one dared to do. They persevered and had strong belief. Two characteristics of leadership qualities in a united movement.
Today, if you walk Plaza Low Yat, you would be more than satisfied with your expectations as one which is not only neat but clean. The mix is good and always gets better with some fresh ideas. Technology moves faster than any other trade trends.
The Low Yat Park just outside the main entrance used to be called BB Park. It has been showing signs of steady resurgence. Already DJI has a flagship store, and the F&B offerings have managed to push it forward. Being in the middle of a tourism belt and surrounded by the historic Capitol and Federal Hotels enhances the value proposition. An icon remaining steadfast. “Malaysia’s Largest IT Lifestyle Mall” is set for a breakthrough. Watch them surge into an exciting future.
Cheras Leisure Mall is an icon in the heart of Cheras. This shopping centre is well known and has never ceased to be the focal point of the community since officially opening in 1996. It has gone through two major asset enhancement initiatives and is currently upgrading the retail block. This shopping centre is unique because it is a two-block property. One is a retail block which houses Village Grocer and Grab Mart by Jaya Grover on the LG floor. Both are just next to each. The other is called the Leisureplex and is home to numerous restaurants and cafes and anchored by Ace Hardware and Grand SenQ.
The retail block has four floors (LG, G, 1 and 2) and connected to the Leisureplex on L2 and L3. It is also a short walk away to the Taman Mutiara MRT station on L1. It has been known for its impressive marketing activities in the early years. There is a broad selection of restaurants and cafes within the property which rivals those of the larger shopping centres. The Fitness First Gym has been operating since it came into the Malaysian market here and still has an extraordinarily strong premium membership.
The property is very professionally managed, and the toilets have been constantly taken care of. The car park is remarkably busy and the way finding is not short of anything. It has been a true community centre for the Cheras population and has also constantly looked at asset enhancement initiative to stay relevant. There has been so much competition surrounding them who came and went. They could still hold their mantle even after Sunway Velocity and MyTownKL came at the fringe of Cheras.
I believe that with a stronger leasing strategy to get stronger fashion anchors and brands would do wonders for this property. They should also relive the marketing efforts of the earlier years. As it is, Cheras Leisure Mall is an iconic shopping centre. It has moved steadily and with new talent, this could be the next level of a community shopping centre.
These 3 are icons of retail property in Klang Valley. Professionally managed, well-leased and a soul of their own. With innovative marketing, the sky would be the limit.
