DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 November)—Homegrown mall operator LTS Malls Inc. is planning to open the new NCCC Mall Ma-a by the last quarter of next year.
The new building is a replacement of the four-story edifice that was razed to the ground in a fire on December 23, 2017 that killed 38 people.
Thea S. Padua, the company’s public relations manager, said in an interview on Thursday that the new mall would accommodate around 200 to 300 tenants and could generate around 1,000 workers across all business units when it opens its doors to the public in December 2024.
She said a topping-off ceremony was held on Wednesday to mark the completion of structural works, and to mark the beginning of interior works of the mall.
Padua added that the company has taken measures, including a fire and alarm detection system, to ensure the safety of the public during emergencies.
“Asya Designs studied the spacing and the distribution of fire exits, all are calculated and has a fire and alarm detection system which is being done in modern buildings. There will be sufficient signages which are very crucial in times of emergencies,” she said.
Asya Designs is the same architecture firm tapped by the Lim family to design the NCCC Mall Buhangin, which opened in 2018.
In a virtual press conference in December 2021, the company announced that it was investing around P4 billion to rebuild the NCCC Mall Ma-a, including the procurement of latest fire protection and suppression technology.
The new mall, with a total of 28,200.64 square meters, has four floors and one basement parking.
It will house anchor stores like NCCC Supermarket, Department Store, Hardwaremaxx, HB1, cinemas, and a mix of “of fashion and apparels, jewelry and accessories, kid’s store, footwear and leather goods, food and beverages, sports, health and beauty, gadgets, home furnishings, and services.”
According to the mall management, the mall is composed of different sections, including “Truly Davao brands, fashion hub, alfresco dining, food snack section, and gizmo hub.” Furthermore, it will have a roof deck with a “panoramic overlooking view of Davao skyline and a landscape park called ‘The Nook’ for those who seek a place to relax.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
