THE next six months is shaping up to be an exciting time for Cebuanos.

SM Seaside City, the region's most-awaited and grandest mall destination, is projected to open by the end of November.

Hans Sy, president of SM Prime Holdings Inc., revealed this today during the tenant preview of the P7.5-billion, five-level mall located in the South Road Properties.

“It's a lot of work but I believe we will make it,” he told reporters.

Features

The mall will have a 148-meter tower, the first of its kind in the region, that offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Cebu.

Mallgoers will also be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city at the Sky Garden, an elevated park set among a landscape of trees that will feature diverse dining outlets.

SM Seaside City, designed by Miami-based firm Arquitectonica, will be home, too, of flagship stores of well-known local, national and international brands.

The whole complex, which is a P30-billion investment, will include a five-star hotel, convention center, high-rise offices, residential buildings, and an events center.

Mall first

Sy said they will be opening the mall first, to be followed by the construction of SMX Convention Center.

It is the same size as the one in Pasay City, which is the country's largest private venue for trade events, industry conventions, corporate functions and international exhibitions.

During the event, SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia also revealed that SM Seaside City will have a full-sized ice skating rink designed for international standards and a bowling center that will be among the main leisure attractions.

“It will be a mecca for shopping, dining and recreation in the south,” she said in her speech.