On average, a mid-sized shopping mall will need around 10 to 60 acres. However, keep in mind that bigger regional malls might require above 100 acres.
However, the exact acres of land needed to construct a shopping mall will depend on a good number of factors. As such, when looking to understand what it takes to build a good shopping mall, you must take your time to evaluate those factors to ensure you are making the right decisions.
Factors That Determine the Number of Acres of Landed Needed for a Shopping Mall
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Mall Size and Concept
One of the first things to note is that a mall with a large number of stores, floors, as well as a vast range of amenities that include entertainment zones, food courts, and cinemas will necessitate more land when compared to a smaller, more compact neighborhood mall.
Another very valid factor is the concept of the owner or designer. You need to comprehend that the developer’s vision for the mall’s scale as well as its target audience will indeed have to be taken into account when determining the amount of land needed to construct the shopping mall.
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Parking Requirements
Parking remains a very valid component of any shopping mall and can consume a good part of the land. Note that most states or counties have put in place laws that stipulate a minimum number of spaces per square foot of retail space. As such, you must make the necessary findings to ensure you are on the right side of the law.
You can decide to go with surface parking, which necessitates more land, or multi-level parking structures, which, although more expensive, will limit the overall acreage needed.
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Location and Zoning Regulations
This is one of the most important factors that you have to take seriously. Keep in mind that a shopping mall in an urban location might have to contend with space constraints, and this might warrant more vertical construction as well as less land usage.
Meanwhile, malls located in suburban or rural areas might have more land available, and this will give room for more expansive mall designs.
Aside from that, be sure to comprehend local zoning regulations especially since they are known to regulate everything from building height, setbacks, and land use.
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Future Expansion Potential
Another thing that will determine the amount of land needed to build a shopping mall will be the potential for future expansion.
For instance, if developers have plans to inculcate additional retail space, entertainment facilities, or even residential units in the future, then it will be very important to secure the necessary land upfront and on time.
Note that this will work to guarantee that the mall has the right foundation to grow to align with future demands without being impeded by a lack of space. Note that the future plans and needs of the mall might warrant purchasing more land than is initially needed.