Retail development is evolving beyond traditional shopping malls into mixed-use destinations. At 4URSPACE, we support retailers and brands in managing projects from concept to completion, while our blog shares the latest retail news and software updates. Below, we spotlight five of the most notable retail developments around the world, please note that project completion dates are approximate.

1. K11 ECOAST – Shenzhen, China

• Opened to the public 28 April 2025.
• Large scale: ~228,500 m² gross floor area. 
• Mix of retail, art-space, offices and waterfront promenade.
• Why it stands out: blends culture, retail, place-making on a waterfront, creating a destination.

2. Sunway Ipoh Mall – Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

• Groundbreaking August 2024, targeting completion by 2027. 
• Over RM 1 billion investment; >1 million sq ft net lettable area across four floors. 
• Features: ice–skating rink (a first for the state), large cinema, entertainment zones. 
• Why it stands out: large mall in an underserved regional market, playing both retail and lifestyle/entertainment roles.

3. Sunway City Ipoh Mall (part of the larger township) – Ipoh, Malaysia

Note: This is essentially the same project as above but focuses on the township context.

• The mall is a component of the larger 1,350-acre Sunway City Ipoh integrated township with mixed uses (residential, hospitality, retail). 
• Why it matters: signifies how retail developers are including big malls into mixed-use “townships” rather than standalone projects.

4. San Jacinto Marketplace – Baytown, Texas, USA

• Under construction: started Q4 2024, expected completion ~Q4 2026. 
• Designed as a large mixed-use retail complex on ~42.4 ha of land. 
• Why it stands out: large U.S.-market development, signaling scale and ambition in retail/entertainment beyond traditional malls.

5. Palacen of Auburn Hills Mixed‑Use Complex – Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA

• Began Q3 2024, expected to finish Q4 2025. 
• ~92,903 m² (~1 million sq ft) mixed-use complex on 44 ha of land. 
• Why it matters: redeveloping a major site with retail and other uses, showing a trend of mixed-use taking over former single-purpose retail land.

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