(Source: InterAksyon | 21 September 2016)
What does an iconic mixed-use structure do after 27 years? For Robinsons Galleria, one of the earliest malls to be built in the country, a redevelopment is the logical order. Built in 1990, and aptly called Galleria to showcase its gallery of retail outlets, dining establishments, public service centers, and more, the pioneering mall along EDSA is currently going through an exciting transformation that aims to level up the shopping and dining experience in malls as well.
According to a press statement, the change is meant to draw a new generation of shoppers as well, “But with a growingly sophisticated clientele, increasingly diversifying retail models, and a changing direction in retail encounters, Robinsons Malls once again overruns the others by unveiling the exciting redevelopment of its enduring crown jewel. With it, Robinsons Galleria is reclaiming its rightful position as the face and place of total urban lifestyle experience.”
Historical location
The bustling crossroads of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue is meaningful because of the historic 1986 EDSA Revolution that took place a few years before the mall was built. Today, Filipinos honor the people’s victory through the EDSA Shrine located right in front the mall structure.
At the same time, Robinsons Galleria also has the auspicious location of being at the heart of the Ortigas business district, the accessibility to EDSA, and proximity to residential areas like Greenhills and the Valle Verde subdivisions, to name a few.
New zones, warmer look
Families of surrounding communities are kept in mind in the redevelopment. Smart zoning solutions are in store to make mall-going at the Galleria a more effortless and pleasurable experience.
The mall’s lower ground floor, will now serve as The Hangout with modern dining options and a more comfortable food gallery Eat Street. The same floor will also be the hub for tech solutions via its DigiWorld hub.
The upper ground floor, found at the elevated base of the mall, rounds up the world’s finest names in up-market and high-street retail, as well as interesting dining establishments offering a Global Connection to a promenade of chic and stylish shopping and a lively veranda of delectable dining.
The second level, The Neighborhood, will feature the country’s top retail brands and centers for health and wellness.
The Galleria’s third level will still remain as the place to See and Be Scene with its movie and entertainment centers.
Robinsons Galleria is placing premium on the mall’s position as the central oasis for the area’s corporate crowd, students and families, where the busy thoroughfares of EDSA, Ortigas, Emerald and ADB avenues converge. Thus, the new and improved malls will have seamless flow of foot traffic with faster and easier access to pedestrian walkways, commuter stops, and well-appointed parking levels.
The pleasant and convenient mall experience is further enhanced by the redevelopment’s more natural outlook: Organic tiles and marble pathways make it more enticing to walk inside the mall; water features will add to that more relaxing feel, well-positioned public seating; pocket green spaces will give the Galleria a more relaxing and energizing atmosphere.
The mix of natural and artifical lighting, and air conditioning will be in line with the mall’s green and sustainable advocacy as well.
WIth the redevelopment, the press statement adds, “Robinsons Galleria reclaims its glory as Philippine retail’s multi-faceted masterpiece that will forever remain relevant to its rich generation of patrons.”
