Monopoly Park offers new experience to shoppers

The move is part of the Jurangkul family's strategy to increase the group's exposure to the real estate business, which now contributes not more than 10 per cent of the group's total revenue.

The family has already developed and owns properties such as golf clubs, hotels and serviced apartments.

The family's total revenue has been shrinking in line with the contraction of the auto industry.

Monopoly Park, touted as the first "experience mall", occupies three rai of land.

Half of its total space of 6,734 square metres will be for retail and the other half for the central area.

The three-storey shopping centre is aimed at the middle- and upper-income groups.

Despite the gloomy economy, Wutthiphum, the managing director of JMax Monopoly, the developer and operator of Monopoly Park, was confident that the mall would be built on time.

"The construction is about 90 per cent completed. So, this can ensure that the opening of the mall will not be delayed," he said.

The mall would offer a new experience of enjoyable relaxation. It would be different from existing malls in its unique architecture and its calm, rather than bustling, interior atmosphere.

The mall will feature unique shops and exclusive restaurants, as well as health and beauty and financial serv

 Ices providers.

"There will be only 15 to 20 shops with sizes ranging from 60 sqm to 400 sqm," he said.

Rent would start at Bt600 per sqm per month.

Easy access is a strong point, with convenient travel by car or subway.

The Rama III area was promising because of its communities and residential projects. It's home to more than 200,000 households and many office buildings.

"Its population of 500,000 includes people with high purchasing power, and it's just 15 minutes away from the business district of Sathon, Silom and Sukhumvit.

"Since there is no other mall comparable to ours, I think the project has great potential," he said.

Rents will depend on size and location, and businesses that take out a lease this month will be entitled to a promotional waiver of rent for the first two months.