A new shopping centre announced for Malaysia’s southern city Johor Baru, will be the largest mall in town when it opens in late 2016.

Paradigm Mall was launched by Malaysia’s Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Aziz. It will be developed by WCT Holdings Berhard.

The six story, 600,000 sqm mall will house a 16 screen multiplex cinema, an indoor rock climbing facility and an ice skating rink, alongside a large line-up of local and international brands inlcuding department store Sogo and the Village Grocer supermarket.

Aziz described Johor Baru – a short drive across the border from Singapore – as “untapped potential” suggesting the new mall could help attract Singaporean shoppers to the city.

“Johor Baru is among the top five shopping areas for foreign tourists, and I hope to work with integrated developments such as Paradigm Mall to promote Malaysia internationally,” he said at a launch function.

The new mall will also incorporate a four-star hotel and serviced residences.