SM Prime Holdings Inc. has unveiled plans for a major, P7-billion redevelopment of SM Megamall, one of the country's most iconic and highest-performing retail spaces. The project, led by United Kingdom-based architectural firm Benoy, will transform the mall into a more energy-efficient and nature-inspired destination under the theme "Crystal Islands." The phased renovation is scheduled for completion by 2029.
The redesign draws inspiration from the Philippines' natural beauty, aiming to blend a vibrant landscape with a modern retail experience. A key feature of the project is the creation of a Level 5 Garden, an air-conditioned oasis filled with tropical plants, dining areas, and seating for social gatherings.
To maximize daylight and reduce cooling costs, the garden will be topped with ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) roofing, a lightweight and eco-friendly alternative to glass.
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Beyond aesthetics, sustainability is a core component of the redesign. The mall will integrate a rainwater harvesting system with a 500-cubic-meter capacity and upgraded mechanical systems to cut energy use.
The project will add an estimated 20,000 square meters of gross leasable area, introduce themed retail zones, and include a new four-level basement parking facility with more than 1,600 slots. Other upgrades include expanded walkways, wider corridors, relocated cinemas, a redesigned food court, a new Megatrade Hall, and modernized vertical transport.
To manage the massive project without completely shutting down the mall, the new layout will be divided into three themed zones—Emerald, Sapphire, and Rhodolite Islands—allowing the renovation to be completed in phases.
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SM Supermalls president Steven Tan acknowledged the "painful" but necessary process of closing certain portions of the mall for redevelopment, noting that the project is crucial for the business's long-term sustainability.
The mall currently boasts the highest per-square-meter sales across the company's properties, with a long waiting list of tenants. The "Crystal Islands" makeover is set to not only enhance the customer experience but also solidify SM Megamall's position as a leader in sustainable mall development.
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