BY SAMUEL ONG

The cascading glass canopy that used to be to hover above the main atrium has now made way to more retail space.

WITH the ever-increasing number of shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur, city folk have an endless choice on where to go.

But back in the late 1980s and 1990s, when there were only a handful of such complexes, many were fond of a place simply called The Mall.

Located along Jalan Putra, the iconic mall built in 1987, was “the” place to go back then.

Now, more than two decades later, the mall has got a new owner, Sunway Group, and has been renamed Sunway Putra Mall.

Its general manager, Phang Sau Lian, said when news got out about the acquisition, the neighbouring residents were very happy.

“Many shoppers had fond memories of the mall. Many found love, while children born in the 1970s and 1980s looked forward to the rides on a swaying pirate ship and Matter-horn at Starlight Express,” said Phang.

South African Cora sun-drop diamond has been used to create a signature look.

“The Mall was losing its charm as it had to compete with the likes of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Suria KLCC and Mid Valley Megamall. The catchment and connectivity to this mall is good and there was a lot of potential, but there was a dire need to upgrade the place.”

Phang said the refurbishment project by Sunway Group cost more than RM1bil and took two years to complete, now with increased leasable space of 600,000 sq ft and more than 300 shops.

“The mall closed in May 2013 and reopened in May last year.

“The most notable change is the removal of the cascading glass canopy facade that used to hover above the main atrium. As replacement, a new glass facade inspired by the South African Cora sun-drop diamond has been used to create a signature look.

“The main concourse, which used to be a promotional area with a double staircase, has now made more room for retail and walkway.

“We also wanted some features to be retained such as the 30-year-old lamps at the Medan Hang Tuah food court, which is now called Selera Street. The old grilles and windows are still there in memory of its old days,” she said.

Some of the old grilles, windows and lamps at the food court, now known as Selera Street, have been preserved since 1987.

Phang said although they were doing away with the popular Starlight Express theme park, there was now Malaysia’s first London street themed family park which featured 35 retail brands catering specially for parents and children.

“For entertainment, we now have a six-screen TGV cinema,” she said.

Phang added that the mall had reached 85% occupancy rate with 20% taken up by eateries.

“We also have some popular brands such as H&M, Monki, Lygon Bistro, Aeropostale, Aldo and Braun Buffel.

“We have an area called Asian Avenue, dedicated to Asian fashion, accessories and crafts, and Vanity Hall for everything on beauty,” she said.

Connectivity to the mall is very good as it is walking distance from the Putra KTM station, Putra bus terminal and PWTC RapidKL LRT station, which are all connected to the mall via an elevated pedestrian walkway.

Something for the children, there is Malaysia’s first London street themed family park.

Phang said Sunway Group had adopted the walkway from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) since its opening and was in the midst of syncing the closed-circuit television cameras to the security room to step up safety measures, in addition to the police booth outside the mall.

“It is perfect for those whose offices are located close to the RapidKL train stations to come over for lunch or a quick trip to the mall to get some stuff.

“We also have a direct link between Villa Putera and Villa Puteri condominiums. The residents do not have to leave their condominiums to get here,” she said.

“Knowing the memories that are etched in the hearts of our long-time visitors, we invited them to share their fondest memories at the mall, which have been incorporated on a brick wall that is a permanent feature at our Market Place on the lower ground floor,” she said.

Sunway Putra Mall is part of the 1.83ha integrated development of Sunway Putra Kuala Lumpur, which includes Sunway Putra Hotel and Sunway Putra Tower.