The HASSELL team has been awarded the interior design project of the world's largest duty-free store in Sanya, Hainan. Known as China Sanya Haitang Bay International Shopping Centre, the project will be developed in three phases by CITS (Beijing) Investment Development and CDF (Group). Phase 1 will have a total area of 120,000 sqm, or the size of 17 football fields. When completed in 2014, the project will be the largest duty-free shopping centre in the world.
The design by HASSELL is inspired by the natural scenery of Sanya. The shopping centre is divided into five areas, each inspired by the ocean, crab-apple, flowers, fruit and nature. In the near future, approximately 30 hotels will be built in the coastal area of Haitang Bay with the Haitang Bay International Shopping Centre as its centre. The Sanya government has listed China Sanya Haitang Bay International Shopping Centre and the 301 Hospital as the two most important development projects in Sanya.
Haitang Bay in Sanya is a key development area in Hainan Island, which is China's first international tax-free tourism destination. CITS Group, the mother company of CITS officially signed the "International Duty Free Town" strategic co-operation framework agreement with Haitang Bay management committee in end 2010. Sanya Haitang Bay International Shopping Centre has a total investment of 3.45 billion RMB.
The project will be developed in three phases. Phase 1 mainly as an international shopping centre with a GFA of 120,000 sqm – 80% of the area in use will be occupied by duty free stores while the remaining area will be used for duty-charging commodities and supporting F&B. Phase 1 will be launched in mid 2014. Phase 2 will focus on the lake islet to build large F&B, cultural and entertainment facilities; Phase 3 will include customised luxury product centres and museums.
Location: Sanya, China Architect: Hassell Area: 120,000 sqm Year: 2014 Client: CITS (Beijing) Investment Development / CDF (Group) Co Status: Work in progress