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Ikea-anchored mall brings Scandinavia to Wuhan, China

InterIKEA Centre China has opened its third shopping centre, LIVAT Wuhan (pictured), following previous openings in Wuxi and Beijing last year.

The scheme, designed by UK-based architect BDP, is located in the Qiaokou district of Wuhan city centre.

The mall has a catchment of 8.6 million local residents and strong transport facilities including a raised bridge linking it to the light rail system, a number of bus stops and parking for 4,700 cars, BDP said.

The 172,000-sq-m centre incorporates an Ikea store, a hypermarket, international and domestic retailers, a multiplex cinema, restaurants and an ice rink.

BDP said the scheme "brings together a strong Scandinavian theme with local Wuhan references".

"The facades, calm and serene, have been inspired by the many lakes in Wuhan," BDP said, adding: "A dramatic lily pad vertical circulation structure incorporating a cascading light installation acts as a spectacular centrepiece."

BDP was architect, civil and structural engineer, landscape architect, interior and lighting designer for the scheme, which opened to the public in April.

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