By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 12 November 2026
The Waterfront Shoppes (TWS), the retail part of The Light City in Gelugor, Penang, held its soft opening on 29 October 2026. It is described as Penang’s largest shopping mall in more than a decade. The Light City is a joint venture between IJM Corp Bhd and Singapore-based Perennial Holdings.
The key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Mall | The Waterfront Shoppes, at The Light City, Jalan Pantai Sinaran, Gelugor, on Penang Island’s eastern waterfront |
| Soft opening | 29 October 2026. The mall is opening in phases, so not every outlet is trading yet |
| Size | About 1.6 million sq ft gross floor area and 700,000 sq ft net lettable area, over four levels |
| Retail spaces | Around 300 |
| Waterfront | A 750 m promenade along the sea |
| Convention centre | Connected to the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), the state’s largest convention venue, for more than 10,000 guests |
| Wider development | The Light City, a 4.1 million sq ft integrated seafront development by IJM and Perennial |
| Parking | Up to five hours free until 30 November 2026 |
What is inside
- Shopping: Parkson (expanded fashion offering), Mercato (premium grocery), Decathlon, Skechers, Watsons and CU Mart.
- Cinema: CMC Theatre, with nine halls and more than 1,000 seats, including South-East Asia’s first CINITY LED cinema.
- Family and play: Xventure, an indoor adventure park making its Malaysian debut with 11 zones, and Wan To Play, an active-play concept opening its first Penang outlet.
- Food: Blue Bay Food Garden, an ocean-themed food court with 28 stalls and about 400 seats, plus outlets such as ZUS Coffee, Mr. Wu Taiwanese Cuisine and Tai Ho Jiak.
- Art: Dolphin sculptures inspired by Penang’s coast, including works by local artists.
Jasmine Chua, Perennial’s managing director of retail management and China commercial management, said “the future of retail and leisure is increasingly about building relevance”, not just size.
What it means for homebuyers
A large mall, cinema and convention centre on the Gelugor waterfront adds daily amenities for homes in and around The Light City. If you are looking at this part of the island:
- Visit on a weekday and a weekend. See the traffic around the mall and the main roads at peak hours, not just on a quiet viewing day.
- Don’t pay for “future value” alone. A new mall is a plus for convenience, but compare asking prices with nearby completed projects before you decide.
- Check what is actually open. TWS is opening in phases, so the full line-up will take time.
New launches near The Light City
Four projects on the Gelugor and Bayan Mutiara waterfront that buyers often look at alongside the new mall:
| Project | Where | Developer | Homes | From (SPA) | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightwater Residences | The Light City, Gelugor | IJM Land | Luxury condo, 262 units, 1,152 to 1,690 sq ft | RM2,055,000 | 2029 |
| Keeperz Suites | The Light Waterfront, Gelugor | EXSIM | Serviced suites, 493 units, 484 sq ft studio or 581 sq ft dual-key | RM820,100 | Q2 2030 |
| The Lighthauz | Gelugor waterfront, beside the Penang Bridge | EXSIM | Serviced suites, 671 units in a 56-storey tower, 732 or 1,001 sq ft | RM864,500 | September 2030 |
| The Pier | Penang World City, Bayan Mutiara | Asia Green | Serviced suites, 934 units in two towers, three and four bedrooms, 1,044 to 1,227 sq ft | RM856,620 | 2028 |
- Lightwater Residences is The Light City’s own residential project, beside the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, with five units per floor. Read the review.
- Keeperz Suites has the lowest entry price of the four, with compact studios and dual-key suites that can be split into two spaces. Read the review.
- The Lighthauz is a 56-storey tower of two- and three-bedroom homes, with views of the sea and the Penang Bridge. Read the review.
- The Pier has the earliest target completion of the four, with three- and four-bedroom family layouts including dual-key options. Read the review.
Prices are the developers’ starting SPA prices and change with availability. You can compare the three Gelugor projects side by side, browse other new launches in Gelugor, or read more project reviews.
Frequently asked questions
When did The Waterfront Shoppes open?
It held its soft opening on 29 October 2026 and is opening in phases.
Where is The Waterfront Shoppes?
At The Light City, Jalan Pantai Sinaran, Gelugor, on the eastern waterfront of Penang Island.
Who developed it?
The Light City is a joint venture between IJM Corp Bhd and Perennial Holdings Private Limited.
Which new launches are near The Light City?
Lightwater Residences (inside The Light City), Keeperz Suites, The Lighthauz and The Pier. See the table above for prices and completion dates.
How big is it?
About 1.6 million sq ft gross floor area and 700,000 sq ft net lettable area, with around 300 retail spaces over four levels.
Looking at homes near The Light City?
I can send you the latest price lists for Gelugor and nearby projects. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- The Edge Malaysia: Perennial, IJM Land mark soft opening of Penang’s The Waterfront Shoppes
- The Star: A new wave of shopping and lifestyle experiences
- EdgeProp: The Light City’s retail component to soft-open on Oct 29
- SAYS: Penang’s new waterfront mall with 300 retail spaces opens today
This article is general information based on published reports as of 12 November 2026. It is not investment advice.