Legacy Entertainment, a leading theme park and resort design company, is celebrating the opening of the first phase of Batavia PIK, an innovative overwater retail complex in Indonesia. Batavia PIK is the world’s first overwater shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, and was designed and planned by Legacy Entertainment in partnership with Amantara (an ASG subsidiary).
This is the first collaboration between the two firms and is part of the Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) mega-development from developers Agung Sedayu Group (ASG) and Salim Group. The second phase is expected to roll out later in 2023.
Batavia PIK was the first contract that Legacy Entertainment began during the Coronavirus pandemic. Marcus King, chief projects officer and joint-owner at Legacy Entertainment says:
“Batavia PIK holds a special place in the hearts of the Legacy team. This was the first project designed while we were all learning a new way of working, not to mention having never met our partners in person! ASG’s spirit of collaboration made the process so seamless and enjoyable that I can’t imagine we will ever forget it.”
A floating metropolis
The unique environment of Batavia PIK demanded a creative response. After debating numerous ideas, the teams came to an agreement on the most daring proposal: a ‘floating metropolis’ built entirely on an inlet from the Java Sea.
It uses an Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) that incorporates water and waste management, environmentally friendly materials, and other green technology.
In this design, promenades border both sides of a canal and provide access to an extensive network of overwater boardwalks, connecting over 53 leasable amenities and entertainment facilities. Souvenir shops, cafes, curated retail tenants, a floating Musholla (prayer chamber), pathways, and global food options all add to the visitor experience.
Natalia Kusumo, CEO of Commercials & Hotels Division 2 Amantara – Agung Sedayu Group, says:
“Our inspiration comes from Batavia city as the trade centre in the colonial era of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, dubbed as the ‘Queen of the East’. The port city, now called Jakarta, is famous for its beauty and as a melting pot where various nations gathered and traded. The resulting cultural assimilation thus influenced architecture, arts, culinary, and other aspects of local cultures.”
Past and present
The complex spans nearly 28,000 square meters, with a key theme of past and present. This runs throughout the architectural details, for example in the combination of colonial-style windows and arches with rattan weaves and indigenous building materials.
The Pasar Rakjat area supports Batavia PIK’s goal of preserving Indonesia’s varied cultures and heritage. Here, Indonesian SMEs are supported by a marketplace with evocative design split into Pasar Buku, Pasar Gerabah, Pasar Loak, Pasar Anyaman, and Pasar Perabot. This aims to increase tourism in Indonesia, particularly in the greater Jakarta area.
King comments: “Retail developers all over the world are in a moment of reflection and transition. With its seamless fusion of ancient and modern culture, retail, and entertainment, we hope that Batavia PIK will represent a literal bridge between the past and the future. No matter how the industry changes or audiences evolve, people all around the world will always want to dine together and be entertained together. Here they’ll be able to do both in a setting unlike any other.”
Batavia PIK is already attracting international recognition and was named the ‘Best Retail Development’ at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards 2022. The complex aspires to be a modern melting pot that showcases the beauty of Indonesia for locals and visitors from across the world through its conceptual design and curated tenancy.
Legacy Entertainment, the designer behind the new Lotte World Busan, recently celebrated 1.4 million visitors during its first year of operation.
