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JOHOR BAHRU: Iskandar Malaysia is expected to attract millions of local and foreign visitors when its much-anticipated Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) and Legoland Malaysia open for business.
Iskandar Regional Development Authority chief executive, Ismail Ibrahim, said the RM149 million JPO was expected to open by year-end and Legoland Malaysia next year.
He said the JPO was expected to attract four million visitors during the first year of operation and Legoland Malaysia one million.
"JPO is targeting a wide range of shoppers, locals as well as those from South-East Asia," he told Bernama in an interview recently.
JPO is operated by Genting Simon Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned unit of Simon Genting Ltd (SGL).
SGL in turn is a 50:50 joint venture between Azzon Ltd, a wholly-owned unit of Genting Plantations Bhd, and Premium Outlets, the outlet division of Simon Property Group.
Ismail said the 17.6-hectare JPO project has a gross built-up area of approximately 330,000 sq ft. It has a gross leasable area of 175,000 sq ft.
He said JPO, the first of its kind in South-East Asia, would have 80 to 90 stores.
"It will offer a wide selection of branded items such as designer fashions, sportswear, children’s wear, jewellery, shoes and fashion accessories at attractive discounts," he said.
There are 52 Premium Outlets in the US, Mexico, Japan and South Korea.
IDR Resorts, a unit of Iskandar Investment Bhd, is responsible for the development of the RM720 million Legoland Malaysia in partnership with Merlin Entertainments.
Some 15,000 model structures made from an estimated 30 million Lego bricks, along with over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions, will be the main features at Legoland Malaysia.
Legoland Malaysia is the centrepiece of Medini Lifestyle, the lifestyle and entertainment hub in Medini Iskandar Malaysia which will also feature lifestyle retail mall, commercial developments and office buildings.
It is the first Legoland theme park in Asia and sixth worldwide.
Besides the Legoland, Ismail said, Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd, together with HIT Entertainment Ltd and Sanrio Entertainment Ltd, were currently developing an indoor theme park, adjacent to Nusajaya's Puteri Harbour.
"Rides and entertainment centred on international children characters such as Barney and friends, Bob the Builder, Thomas and friends and Hello Kitty will be built there," he said.
Ismail said the concepts of other theme parks were still under study to ensure viability and continuity of development. — Bernama
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