Central Group invests B730M in POP Phuket and Tops Wongamat projects

Central Group on May 16 announced more than B730 million in investment for two new retail developments, POP Phuket in Cherng Talay and Tops Wongamat in Pattaya, with both scheduled to open in 2026. The projects target high-spending customers in prime tourism districts, with POP Phuket positioned in western Phuket and Tops Wongamat aimed at the upper-end market in Wong Amat.

POP Phuket targets Cherng Talay growth

POP Phuket carries an investment of more than B300 million and a gross building area of 5,490 square metres. The project is planned near Bang Tao Beach inside The Standard Residences Phuket Bangtao, about five minutes from Porto de Phuket and three minutes from Boat Lagoon, with parking for more than 146 cars.

Central said Cherng Talay has more than 20,000 luxury housing units and is growing at 18.8% a year. Phuket receives more than 14.1 million visitors annually and generates about B540 billion to B550 billion a year in tourism revenue.

More than 60% of POP Phuket will be dedicated to food and beverage outlets, including restaurants, cafes and a Tops Fine Food supermarket, with tenants such as Aquila, Campus Coffee Roasters and Spice House. The remaining 40% will be allocated to premium retail and lifestyle services, while the company expects more than 1 million visits a year, with about 80% foreign customers and 20% Thai customers.

Tops Wongamat focuses on premium neighborhood retail

Tops Wongamat has an investment of more than B430 million and a gross building area of 4,711 square metres. The one-storey open mall is being developed with Centara in Wong Amat, an area surrounded by four-star and five-star hotels and luxury condominiums.

Chonburi draws about 19 million to 22 million tourists a year and produces roughly B220 billion in tourism income annually. The site is linked to Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, which is set for a full reopening in 2025 with 555 rooms, and Cosi Pattaya Wong Amat Beach, which opened in 2022 with 282 rooms.

More than 80% of the space will go to restaurants, cafes and a supermarket, including Ban Pu Kai Dong, SOL Coffee, Ah Ma Shou Zuo and Relax Place. The other 20% will be reserved for curated premium shops and services such as specialty stores, spas and beauty outlets.

Source: https://www.thaipost.net/economy-news/997539/