Construction work for a massive, $200-million shopping centre built by Chip Mong Retail, a subsidiary of local conglomerate Chip Mong, began yesterday.

Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall will extend over 41 hectares of land in the capital, and will feature a movie theater and a food court, among other entertainment and dining options.

Leang Khun, chairman of Chip Mong Group, said at the groundbreaking ceremony that the mall will beautify the city and, starting with its construction, create thousands of jobs.

“We guarantee that our customers will have a great experience, particularly those that enjoy modern amenities and entertainment,” he said.

“The country is now peaceful and stable, and this keeps attracting more and more investors into the country, particularly for commercial buildings like this,” he said.

“Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall will be managed by our board of directors who are local and foreign experts in the operation of malls throughout the region.

Our goal is to provide the best service to our customers,” he added.

Philippe Prejent, Chip Mong Retail’s president, said that, excluding this latest project, Chip Mong Retail has invested about $252 million in Cambodia.

Some of its most successful projects include Chip Mong Monivong Super Market, Baktok Chip Mong Mall, Sen Sok Chip Mong Mall and 598 Chip Mong Mall.

“The construction of this new shopping mall here, in a landmark such as street 271, demonstrates Chip Mong’s dedication and commitment to create new lifestyle and entertainment solutions for our customers,” he said.

Mr Prejent said the new mall, located in a three-storey building, will have a total area of 160,000 square metres, with 58,000 sqm of leasing space and more than 2,000 parking spaces for cars.

“Our different shopping centres – which include community malls, shopping malls, and mix-used buildings – and our modern retail formats – convenient stores, supermarkets and e-commerce platforms – seek to meet the specific demands of Cambodia’s modern retail market and the needs of our customers.

“We have a clear and strong commitment to support the economic development of the country and the evolution of modern retail,” he added.

Presiding over the ceremony, Land Management Minister Chea Sophara, said the mall will be an important contribution to the nation’s construction sector and the national economy.

“I have seen the blueprints for the project and I can tell you that it is very well designed, modern and environmentally friendly, giving our people a great place to gather, shop, and look for entertainment options,” he added. According to Chip Mong’s Mr Khun, the mall has been designed by foreign and local experts, and will be finished by 2020.