Plaza Semanggi to open in November

JAKARTA: Amidst fears of worsening traffic congestion, the developer of Plaza Semanggi is optimistic the mall will officially open in November.

PT Primatama Nusa Indah director Veri Y. Setiady told press at the topping-off ceremony on Friday that a traffic management program would be implemented to avoid traffic congestion, including an extra road.

"To help potential consumers reach the plaza, we already planned some access. An entrance gate on Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto will be available for those coming from the south and west," he said.

"As for those who come from Kuningan and Menteng directions, they can enter through Wisma Danamon on Jl. Jend. Sudirman. We'll also provide access beside Atma Jaya Catholic University."

Setiady said that an Environmental Impact Analysis study had been conducted but refused to give details.

Plaza Semanggi, which is built around the Sarbini building at the corner of Jl. Jend. Sudirman and Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto, will have a cultural and art center in the Sarbini building.

Just like other malls, it will also have restaurants, boutiques, entertainment centers, electronic stores and health and beauty stores.

Reports said that 81 percent of the 400 units were already rented. Each unit cost between Rp 300,000 (US$35.3) and Rp 500,000 per square meter per month.

The plaza's parking lot can accommodate up to 1,900 cars, Setiady said. -- JP