Show DC says its new Bangkok retailtainment complex will offer more than just K-pop theme.
The complex, first revealed on Inside Retail Asia yesterday) is billed as Thailand’s “first retail and entertainment mega-complex”. It will open in June 2016 after a total investment of Bht 9.5 billion (US$267 million) and aims to attract 100,000 visitors a day.
The landmark development will bring to Thailand the novel ‘Shop & Enjoy’ retail concept that combines entertainment facilities with a mix of retailing and food & beverage.
Located off the major Rama IX Rd arterial route, the project will boast a massive 150,000 sqm gross floor area. A cornerstone feature will be the “world’s largest ‘K-Town’ outside Korea”.
Chayaditt Hutanuwatra, chairman of Show DC Corp, said visitors will be able to indulge in the best of shopping, eating and culture from Thailand and the broader Asia region, with particular emphasis on trendy, Korean offerings.
“At the same time, they can enjoy Thailand’s most sophisticated entertainment offerings with a state-of-the-art Performance Hall for 5000 people and a 5000 sqm Sports Arena for Asian sports entertainment, that seats 1500 people.”
The project will also feature a 5000 sqm Fantasy Dreamscape cultural walk-through phenomenon called ‘Himmapan Avatar’ that will bring to life dazzling Thai legends through immersive 4D experiences using the most advanced light, sound and holographic technologies.
He said 60 per cent of the lettable space at Show DC has already been leased and includes among its anchor tenants YG Entertainment – one of Korea’s top star-maker entertainment companies which is behind global K-Pop sensations such as Bigbang, Psy, and 2NE1.
YG Entertainment will also operate a 5000 sqm rooftop K-Pop culture and entertainment park with hip bars and clubs for fun and relaxation.
“As part of our emphasis on presenting the richness of Asia, Show DC has an expansive 10,000 square metre Asian Food Street that is dedicated exclusively to restaurants. Next to that, inside the K-Town will be large areas devoted to Korean fashion (K-Fashion), Thailand’s most extensive offering of Korean beauty products and services (K-Beauty), as well as celebrity food and beverage outlets, such as Psy’s ‘Psy Ramen’, and ‘After Rain’, inspired by global K-Pop sensation ‘Rain’,” Chayaditt said.
Praparwarn Waeladeevong, vice chairperson of Show DC Corp added: “We also have a lot that will appeal to international travellers and expect around 50,000 of them, a day. We are the first in Thailand to design facilities on this scale specifically to handle such high numbers of international travellers. We have invested heavily in building generous bus parking facilities as well as carefully mapped people flows within the complex to ensure comfort and convenience to all visitors, all the time.”
She said that visitors to Thailand are expected to reach 37 million people a year in the next five years, and that the creation of landmark lifestyle destinations such as SHOW DC are an essential service to ensure convenience for so many visitors as well as to reduce the strain on Thailand’s traditional tourist sites which are rapidly becoming overburdened with visitors.
One of Show DC’s special facilities for international visitors is a large VIP Traveller Lounge where visitors can spend time on their last day after they check-out from their hotels.
“They can leave their bags, take a shower, or rest after checking-out from their hotel and prior to a night flight. In addition, travellers can use SHOW DC’s complimentary shuttle transport services to Bangkok’s airports,” Praparwarn said.
Show DC, located on Jaturathit Rd, is easily accessible by multiple road and rail transport systems being close to the Makkasan station of the Airport Rail Link, the MRT’s Phetchaburi and Rama IX stations, as well as near the Si Rat Expressway’s Rama IX exit and Asoke 1 entry.
According to Chayaditt: “Show DC will support the government’s policy to create exciting new shopping and entertainment opportunities for international visitors, while also increasing the quality of visitors’ experiences while in Thailand.”
