New Jaya Shopping Centre secures 70% tenants

PETALING JAYA: The redeveloped Jaya Shopping Centre (JSC) in Section 14, Petaling Jaya, has pre-leased 70% of its retail units, of which 30% consists of tenants of the previous shopping centre.

Among the returning tenants are Cold Storage, Hing's Watch, Krystal Shoes and Accessories, Nelson's Corn in a Cup and Poh Kong Jewellers. The redevelopment of JSC is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2013.

The developer — Jaya Section Fourteen Sdn Bhd, has taken into consideration the evolving demographics in Petaling Jaya, noting that its residents are accomplished, affluent and loyal, director Ismail Ani Arope said in a statement recently.

"The typical PJ household is established, with many living in the same residences for over 30 years. They are second or third generation white collar professionals, doctors, partners in legal practice or audit firms, or business owners. While there is this established bedrock of community, PJ's growing youth population comes from the 30 primary schools, 16 secondary schools and 23 universities in the vicinity.

As the PJ community has prospered, it is important that we upgrade JSC to reflect its improved lifestyles and expectations," he said.

"It is not only about revisiting nostalgia, but also offering a fresh retail experience for the new generation of shoppers," said Ismail.

Built in 1974, JSC is fondly-remembered by many as Jaya Supermarket. As the first shopping complex in Petaling Jaya, it became a popular landmark and started the trend of neighbourhood malls in the 1970s.

According to Ismail, there have been queries from the public, especially PJ residents, on the re-opening of JSC. Over the last three decades, everyone here has a part of their lives associated with JSC — this was where high school loves blossomed, kinships were developed, families gathered — and the place to shop for any occasion.

"They have fond memories of JSC and it was therefore important that we retain and relive this spirit. I'm an honorary PJ boy and can relate to these sentiments, which can't be replicated. At the same time, we are confident that the upgraded and improved JSC will rejuvenate and become an integral part of Petaling Jaya," he said.

The new JSC, which is built on the site of the previous shopping centre, has a net lettable area of 270,000 sq ft, spanning seven retail levels and four levels of basement car park to accommodate 780 cars. It will offer a wide selection, including food and beverage outlets, a supermarket, cinema and entertainment, fashion, beauty and wellness spas, electronics and gadgets, and a banking hall.


This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on August 23, 2013.