KOTA KINABALU (June 19): Jesselton International has introduced The Shoppes at The V, a new open-air commercial component within its flagship mixed-use development, The V, located along the scenic Likas Bay waterfront in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
The Shoppes forms part of the developer’s RM1.5 billion, 10-acre integrated development and is designed to become a vibrant lifestyle and commercial destination serving residents, businesses and visitors within the growing Likas Bay area.
Strategically positioned along the coastal corridor, the commercial development benefits from a substantial built-in customer base. The V comprises approximately 1,700 commercial suite units and 112 corporate office units spread across four 40-storey towers, while the surrounding Likas Bay neighbourhood is estimated to house around 8,000 residents.
According to Jesselton International managing director Nick Chu, consumer preferences have shifted significantly in recent years, with greater demand for retail environments that offer convenience, experiences and social interaction. The Shoppes at The V was therefore designed to become an integral part of daily life, catering to activities ranging from morning coffee routines and wellness services to waterfront dining and evening social gatherings.
A key feature of the development is its emphasis on biophilic design principles, which incorporate natural elements into the built environment. The project integrates greenery, natural ventilation and community-focused spaces to create a more comfortable and engaging atmosphere for visitors.
Among the signature areas planned within the development are the Dining Walk, The Courtyard and the elevated Sunset Terrace, each designed to encourage social interaction and enhance the waterfront lifestyle experience.
The upper levels of The Shoppes will focus on wellness and lifestyle-oriented offerings, including medical and aesthetic centres, boutique fitness facilities, experiential retail concepts, family entertainment venues, educational and enrichment centres, as well as a variety of dining establishments.
Through its combination of commercial, wellness and lifestyle components, The Shoppes at The V aims to strengthen Kota Kinabalu’s retail landscape while complementing the broader mixed-use ecosystem created within The V development.
What I Learned
This article highlights how modern commercial developments are evolving beyond traditional retail spaces to become integrated lifestyle destinations. Developers are increasingly focusing on creating experience-driven environments that combine shopping, dining, wellness and community activities within a single location. The Shoppes at The V demonstrates the growing importance of mixed-use developments, where residential, office and commercial components work together to generate a sustainable customer base. The incorporation of biophilic design also reflects a broader trend in real estate towards creating healthier, more attractive environments that enhance user experience while increasing the long-term appeal and value of the development.
Yao Mu Realty, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in industrial real estate for factories and land, delivering professional and efficient solutions.
Posted by Yao Mu Realty Sdn Bhd on 19 Jun 26
Malaysia