The most notable project at Cityscape Global, Mall of the World mixed-use project in Dubai goes under rebranding, which its creator Dubai Holding calls not revolution but evolution.
The key idea of the new concept implementation, which will form the basis for the Mall of the World re-branding, worth USD 6,81 billion, is creating barrier-free environment for pedestrians from and to anywhere in the complex. This, together with wider, tree-lined boulevards allows luxury retailers creating the first Middle East “maison” stores line – stand-alone flagship properties like that on Champs-Elysées in Paris or Ginza district in Tokyo, Japan. In practice this means more freedom for manifesting personality of trading companies, brands and stores.
Morgan Parker, the new project’s chief operating officer, gave a large interview recently, in which he outlined the main changes made to the Mall of the World project. “It would be the only such location in the whole of the Middle East where that occurs. So when people say to me, ‘what’s the next big thing in retail?’, it’s not going to be another Dubai Mall – although that’s great. It’s creating an environment for a new expression of retail,” he said.
New plan is a “transport-led solution” with a more logical system for connecting to transport infrastructure. “The problem with the site is that it’s right on Sheikh Zayed Road, but if you’ve ever been on Sheikh Zayed Road, it’s a barrier. People are going along there at 100km an hour and getting on and off it is problematic,” Parker said.
Mall of the World is not just one project, it’s a combination of 75 individual projects, united by one idea. For the convenience of residents and guests Dubai Holding plans not only new Metro stations there, but also Dubai tram line extensions and several new bus routes. Pedestrian infrastructure is another priority for the developer.
“There is a much larger focus on creating neighbourhoods that are walkable, where cars are less dominant,” Morgan Parker says. But, “That change takes a few years to plan because it has implications on traffic systems.”