New seafront shopping mall in Penang
Those who grew up in Penang will understand how much we rely on the handful of neighbourhood shopping malls on the island – including the familiar Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon, Queensbay Mall, and Straits Quay – to fulfill our retail needs and convenient dining desires.
And real soon, we’ll have another spot to frequent. Planned to make its grand debut in April 2026 is The Waterfront Shoppes, a coastal shopping landmark where patrons can enjoy a diverse slew of retail outlets, flagship stores, and F&B options.
Here’s what we know about the development of the massive seafront shopping destination in Penang so far.
A 1.5 million square foot shopping mall by the sea
Image credit: The Light City via website
The Light Waterfront in Penang is about to have an exciting new – and gigantic – addition, come April of next year. Described as Phase 2 of the elaborated The Light ecosystem masterplan, the seafront project announced the upcoming debut of The Waterfront Shoppes – a whopping 1.5 million square feet shopping mall perched on Penang’s horizon, with an opening tentatively set for April 2026.
The retail hub is planned to be designed as a lifestyle landmark – think curated fashion boutiques, artisanal cafes, flagship concept stores, and waterfront promenade, all set against the backdrop of the scenic sea.
Image credit: Perennial Holdings Private Limited via website
Adding to the seafront project as well is the soon-to-open Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), a sprawling 76,000 square feet exhibition hall that will function to host everything from international conventions and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) events, to grand banquets and high-profile launches. This sleek new venue is scheduled to open in October of this year.
Image credit: IJM Land via website
The construction of The Waterfront Shoppes and PWCC is all part of IJM Land’s ambitious plan to create an integrated waterfront enclave called The Light Waterfront Penang, where residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and leisure spaces are brought together into a single, thoughtfully-designed neighbourhood.
Coastal shopping in Penang in 2026
You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for another new shopping mall that’s beyond our usual haunts in Penang, especially when it’s as grand as The Waterfront Shoppes.
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Cover image adapted from: The Light City via website