HONGKONG Land opened an educational play-centre in Chongqing on Friday, as part of a US$33 million investment that will be made over the next five years to integrate edutainment with lifestyle retailing in other cities across the Chinese mainland.

 

Called Kidzplorer, it is a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (Steam) oriented play-centre at The Ring, Chongqing - which is Hongkong Land' s first wholly-owned commercial development project in south-west China.

 

The Singapore mainboard-listed property firm said in a media statement on Friday that said Kidzplorer represents a breakthrough in its provision of family-friendly amenities for retail experiences, answering the needs of today' s customers - many of whom are parents who visit along with their children.

 

Robert Wong, chief executive of Hongkong Land, said: " With a history of more than 130 years, we constantly seek the next opportunity to respond to the changing preferences and demands of our tenants and customers by introducing innovative concepts and fresh offerings, with a view to elevating the value of our portfolio for the Chinese mainland and across the region."

 

Kidzplorer occupies a net floor area of nearly 3,000 square metres and features a nine-zone play area, a Steam classroom, a family café and party rooms. There is also a retail store offering a range of Steam-concept toys and products.