For millennials who grew up in Dubai, the words Lamcy Plaza hit different. Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, Lamcy wasn’t just a mall, it was THE mall. Having opened its doors in 1997, it quickly became everyone’s go-to hangout spot. Afternoons spent chilling by the central indoor waterfall, craning your neck to see which floor the resident clown had managed to climb to this time, and running riot at the soft play area while parents shopped on the upper floors. Every corner of the mall exudes memories!
It was here many of us first discovered the 1 AED McDonald’s cone, grabbed our first Starbucks, and got lost in the sheer thrill of having too many things to do under one roof. Having said that, I’m still racking my brains to remember whether the hypermarket on the fifth floor was a Carrefour, Geant or Al Maya (seriously, someone please settle this once and for all). Anyway, for more than eight years now, Lamcy Plaza has stood still, its once-bustling arena now just a memory. The structure, a long-abandoned one, that we woefully glance at when driving past. And now comes the news that’s got everyone buzzing. Lamcy Plaza might just be on the verge of a revival. Wait, don’t get so excited yet – t’s only a possibility, not a guarantee. But here’s what we know so far.
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Lamcy Plaza Finally Found A Buyer
Yes, it’s finally happening! After waiting around since a devastating fire in 2017, for someone to arrive! Lamcy Plaza was auctioned off last month on the Emirates Auction website. The sake was close for a final price of AED 188.7 million ($51 million). Though the property was listed last year with a starting bid of AED 200 million, there was no potential interest shown for it. Lamcy got lucky only this year!
The five-storied mall had over 150 stores, 2 cinema halls, a hypermarket, and a food court that was the hub of families and friends alike. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Lamcy Plaza was a cultural landmark long before Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates redefined the shopping scene.
Who Bought It and What’s Next?
For now, the buyer’s identity has not been disclosed. However, what we do know is that Dubai’s retail sector is on a roll at the moment. Demand for prime retail real estate is soaring and is driven by tourism and economic growth. That means Lamcy Plaza, in one form or another, is likely to see life again.
Will it return as the exact same mall? Mostly unlikely. Will it be revamped into a shinier, more modern space, yet hopefully still preserving a hint of its charm? That’s what I’m dreaming of actually. Until then, all we have is speculation. And, of course our nostalgia.
What We Hope to See Again In Lamcy Plaza
While the future is still a mystery, there are some iconic features we’d love to see reimagined or retained.
The Cheerful Clown
Yes, clowns can be creepy, I know. But wasn’t Lamcy’s clown an exception? Dangling from the tightrope, rising alongside you in the glass lift, he was the cheerful little mascot that made kids laugh and adults roll their eyes (but secretly smile). Watching him climb up as we ascended floors on the lift is a memory that will never fade for me.
Cricket Screenings at the Food Court
Lamcy’s food court wasn’t just about KFCs and Hardees. It was THE PLACE where cricket fans camped out. My dad, like many others, was glued to those giant screens while mom and I slipped into stores like G2000 and Matalan. For once, dad wasn’t rushing the family out the door, because cricket got him covered. Not many malls bother showing matches today (it’s mostly just ads on loop). Imagine if Lamcy brought that tradition back!
Bollywood-Only Cinema Halls
Before the multiplex explosion, Lamcy’s twin cinemas were dedicated solely to Bollywood blockbusters. Back then, Hollywood dominated most theatres, so having a place that screened only Bollywood was a big thing. As it was located in the heart of the city, we used to sometimes just walk past it and plan an impromptu movie night. Also, tickets were way more affordable as compared to elsewhere.
The Indoor Waterfall
Perhaps Lamcy’s most iconic feature! The brown rock-like indoor waterfall in the central atrium was a pretty sight, indeed. It was the OG photo spot for families and friends who got together. The sound of trickling water literally became the mall’s soundtrack. Today’s malls may boast choreographed fountains and sophisticated infrastructure, but Lamcy’s humble waterfall holds a charm no amount of high-tech LEDs can replace.
So while we wait for solid updates on what Lamcy Plaza’s future is going to be shaped like, we can’t help but pull out these memories and polish these like those old photographs we chrish. And if the mall really does make a comeback, I genuinely hope it sprinkles its old-school charm into the city’s present.
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