SY family-led mall chain SM Supermalls is set to begin major renovations to one of the largest malls in the country, the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, this month.
SM Supermalls in June announced that Megamall would be "entering a new era" with a renovation that would add 20,000-square meters of leasable space for "ultimate shopping and dining."
SM Supermalls partnered with architectural firm Benoy to design the mall's new look.
Benoy is the architectural firm behind redevelopments of Icon Siam in Thailand and the Jewel Changi in Singapore.
"We chose Benoy as our design partner for their international acclaim and innovative approach, which aligns perfectly with our vision for SM Megamall," SM Supermalls said in an email.
Benoy was said to be taking inspiration from the Philippines being a country of more than 7,000 islands with a nature-inspired "crystal islands" design extending from exterior to interiors.
"Our aim with this renovation is to transform the mall into a more modern, engaging, and sustainable environment," SM Supermalls said.
"We're incorporating a range of new features, including luxury interior enhancements, state-of-the-art theater experiences, and expanded dining zones," it added.
One of the major additions will be an air-conditioned garden using new technology, an ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) roofing system on level 5, to "bring the outdoors inside" with rich greenery, natural light, water features and calming ambience.
"To minimize inconvenience to our patrons and maintain seamless operations, the renovations will be executed in phases, with only certain areas being closed to the public at any given time," SM Supermalls said, claiming that the best possible experience for visitors and tenants would continue to be provided.
"The funding for this extensive project is sourced from our capital expenditures, specifically earmarked for strategic enhancements," it also said.
SM Supermall parent company SM Prime Holdings Inc. has allocated P100 billion in capital expenditures for 2024 to support various projects, including the development and refurbishment of malls, residential projects, hotels, and offices.
"We will be announcing our construction partners and further financial details as they are finalized," SM Supermalls said.