The Night before Official Opening of Dataran Pahlawan Megamall

September 24th, 2006

How does the Dataran Pahlawan Megamall looks like on the night before official opening set on 25 Sep 2006?

Outlets facing the main road were well-lit, mall cleaning staffs were busy washing and polishing the floor, and outlet tenants were busy with some last-minute preparations as well.

The Night before Official Opening of Dataran Pahlawan Megamall

The Night before Official Opening of Dataran Pahlawan Megamall

Dataran Pahlawan Megamall of Melaka is a new retail, entertainment and gourmet centre located at the core of heritage area – Bandar Hilir, directly opposite Porta de Santiago (A’ Famosa Fortress). Prior to the establishment of this modern complex, it was a green field called Padang Pahlawan, the place where Malaysia’s Father of Independence Tunku Abdul Rahman made his official historic announcement about the success of gaining independence for Malaya from British government.

The Night before Official Opening of Dataran Pahlawan Megamall

The Dataran Pahlawan Megamall project is envisioned to be one of the most happening tourism attractions, and the largest shopping mall in Melaka. Currently, the first phase which primarily comprises of fashion and gourmet retailing lots is completed and ready for business commencement. From the main road, familiar names like Esprit, Padini Concept Store, MNG, Mango, Nike, Camel Active, Roxy, Quicksilver and Seed are spotted.

The Night before Official Opening of Dataran Pahlawan Megamall

Besides, McDonald’s fast food is also occupying one of the most eye catching locations for 24 hours operation.

Carrefour has also signed an agreement with Dataran Pahlawan Megamall as one of the key anchor tenants. Carrefour is expected to begin its operation in Dataran Pahlawan in first quarter of 2007. This means that, Melaka will have all the 3 major hypermarket operators offering competitive prices.

When all the phases of Dataran Pahlawan project are completely developed, there will also be a Digital Domain selling trendy gadgets and digital devices, as well as a Gold Mart or Gold Trade Centre selling gold and jewelry.

Some cultural and heritage conservation advocates worry that the commercialized Dataran Pahlawan concepts will fade out the heritage colours of the core historical site in Melaka. In efforts to achieve a balanced development between heritage conservation and tourism modernization, the ambitious Dataran Pahlawan Megamall project has the following plans aligned:

  • Padang Pahlawan is reborn at the at roof-top.
  • Development coverage includes the existing Tun Mahathir’s Vision 2020 Time Capsule. Currently, the significance of Time Capsule is less known among tourists, but I hope the megamall will play a good role in promoting this legacy of modern time.
  • Sculptures depicting the traditional life and olden days, such as bullock cart and wau (Malaysian kite), will be built and displayed.
  • Sea Wall depicting the glorious Harbour Wall of Melaka Sultanate will be constructed.

For sure, all these vibrant plans which are more than a shopping mall, will take some time to be completely constructed.

Updated on 22nd Oct 2006

Click here for more pictures of Dataran Pahlawan Megamall

GPS Coordinate: N2.19028 E102.24993

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Entry Filed under: Shopping Complex

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10 Comments Add your own

  • 1. malacca boy | September 25th, 2006 at 12:41 am

    what if it turns out to be like Senyum? Or the one next to the old bus station? Or it gets destroyed like the Dataran Merdeka one in KL?

    These greedy developers in connection with corrupt govt officials destroy historical sites and turn them into eyesores. Look at Dataran Merdeka now, with the big ugly screen - is it still there?

    And what’s with this Sentral this and Sentral that. Megamall this and Megamall that.

    So pathetic.

  • 2. Administrator | September 25th, 2006 at 1:54 pm

    Malacca Boy:
    Well said.

    Failure in such a huge project will not just involving a loss of heritage property, but tax payers’ contribution as well. Since the historical Padang Pahlawan has already been transformed into commercialized complex, now it’s not the time to comment on the responsibility, but let’s hope that this new attraction with interesting concept will turn to be a successful project.

    Usually, what leads to the failure of a mall, is the mis-allignment of market needs and non-existent of uniqueness. So far, I personally find that the visioned plans of this Dataran Pahlawan Megamall project is kinda interesting and presenting convergence of consumer wants.

    However, the concept of Digital Domain in Dataran Pahlawan might later be challenged with redundancy, when the Digital Mall (under construction) at Jalan Hang Tuah is established. Either one might lose its attractiveness.

  • 3. Malaka Man | September 27th, 2006 at 5:25 pm

    what if it turns out to be like Senyum? - well it’s being handled by the same Architect - AAP.

    These greedy developers in connection with corrupt govt officials destroy historical sites and turn them into eyesores. -+1 …The same developer responsible for Pantai Kundur’s Apartment / Condo that halted it’s progress since last year. LianBang.

    However, the concept of Digital Domain in Dataran Pahlawan might later be challenged with redundancy, when the Digital Mall (under construction) at Jalan Hang Tuah is established. Either one might lose its attractiveness. - Definately more mall like Fajar, Madam King, Econmart and Cowboy (maybe even Bintang) will become another Ocean (formerly known), Kangaroo, Senyum, Great Wall situation… sigh

  • 4. Jonathan Goh | October 4th, 2006 at 2:38 pm

    Saya ini Anak Melaka. Saya berasa begitu bangga atas kejayaan Kompleks Dataran Pahlawan Melaka. Sungguhpun terdapat pelbagai masalah kompleks ini akan muncul sebagai suatu destani yang akan membawa negeri Melaka ke tahap baru. Syabas kepada Kerajaaan Negeri Melaka dan juga pemaju — kami percaya selepas melaburkan berjuta juta ringgit seperti yang di umumkan kompleks ini amat menyakinkan semua rakyat Negeri Melaka….Come On all Malaccans — we say Oye to Malacca — God Bless — Melaka pun Boleh……

  • 5. Administrator | October 4th, 2006 at 3:13 pm

    Jonathan Goh:
    Thanks for your comment. Finally an optimistic view.

    In the perspective of tourism development, frankly, I still find the Dataran Pahlawan concept to have tremendous potential of growth. Having a good start is an advantage, but never the less, the management must keep up the good plan in order to derive a long term successful return.

  • 6. Melakaboy | October 4th, 2006 at 11:28 pm

    The complex is good but you know the spending habit of Malaccan. Very “kedekut”. The fundamental of economic is without spending, the money cannot move around. You know what the rich people of Melaka are very stingy, not to say they do not have the spending power.

    The complex can promote and spend lot of money on marketing but how to change the spending behaviour of Malaccan ?? So, we need to depend largely on tourist.

  • 7. Malaka Man | October 5th, 2006 at 2:14 pm

    Jonathan Goh quoted
    “Sungguhpun terdapat pelbagai masalah kompleks ini akan muncul sebagai suatu destani yang akan membawa negeri Melaka ke tahap baru.”

    Yep! a lot of problems….
    problems like OPERATING BUSINESS WITHOUT C.F….
    and with the City Council issueing summon a petty RM250 per day!

  • 8. kl boy | October 7th, 2006 at 12:46 am

    this is silly. if they want to protect and develop some ‘heritage site’ don’t go and dig up the ground and destroy it la!

    why can’t these people learn from better examples like Singapore’s Clark/Boat Quays? Or even Central Market in KL is lovely.

    Instead they are going to open up yet another mall with yet another bunch of typical tacky outlets. Haven’t been there, yet (no CF why endanger my life) - but I guess McDonald’s, Long John Silvers, Sinma, KFC, Osim and all.

    Why would tourists want to come here? Yet another basement mall. You think the ang mohs who travel across the world want to shop in some underground mall?

    this is another silly project by the UMNO ketua menteris/menteri besars. and if i’m not mistaken, this same minsiter was the one who said that the thing about speed limits?

    By Jonathan Kent
    BBC correspondent in Kuala Lumpur

    The chief minister of the Malaysian state of Melaka, Mohammed Ali Rustam, has called for the speed limit on Malaysian roads to be raised for the drivers of luxury cars.
    He was speaking after agreeing to settle more than 20 summonses issued on his own two official vehicles.
    But Malaysia’s government wants to send a clear signal to VIPs and politicians that they are not above the law.
    The country’s deputy prime minister has ordered dozens of the country’s rich elite, who between them have amassed thousands of unpaid motoring fines, to reach into their own pockets and pay up.
    Mr Mohammed says that speed limits slow down important people, and that the limit should be raised from 110 to 160km/h ( 68 to 100 mph) for the drivers of high-powered cars.
    He says it is not suitable for the likes of BMWs and Mercedes to drive slowly on highways.
    Mr Mohammed admitted he was not aware of the 22 outstanding summonses issued to his two cars, because he leaves such matters to his drivers.
    However, he agreed to have them settled immediately.
    High-powered cars in Malaysia are largely the preserve of the wealthy.
    High tariffs on imported vehicles mean that a typical Mercedes would cost the average Malaysian 20 years wages.
    Yet there are thousands on the roads. Top Malaysians who have been given titles in recognition of their achievements often put official badges on their number plates to let other drivers know just how important they are.
    But Malaysia’s deputy prime minister, Abdullah Badawi, is signalling that he has little patience for the foibles of the privileged classes.
    If, as expected, he takes over as prime minister next October, Malaysia’s high and mighty will have to remember to play by the rules.

  • 9. Jonathan Goh | October 15th, 2006 at 9:56 pm

    The problem with people is they get off tangent and political — this is not about speed limits, Ministers or anything like that — just focus —- and secondly — many people like to see old Malacca and there are many people also want to see Malacca develop

  • 10. Administrator | October 16th, 2006 at 8:29 am

    “many people like to see old Malacca and there are many people also want to see Malacca develop”

    Yes, I agree with Jonathan Goh. Malaccan in general would like to see a continuously developing Melaka. After all, development means opening up more career and business opportunities

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