TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese department store operator Shin Kong Mitsukoshi has reportedly been selected as the winner of the Taipei Main Station mall operating rights tender, though Taiwan Railways Corp. said the process is still ongoing and declined to comment.
The bidding for the high-profile commercial space has drawn significant attention, with Taiwan Railways Corp. reportedly holding a selection committee meeting and naming Shin Kong Mitsukoshi as the preferred bidder, per CNA. The company has not formally announced the results and said the case remains under review.
Located at the heart of the capital’s transportation network, Taipei Main Station integrates Taiwan Railways Corp. services, high-speed rail, the MRT, the Taoyuan Airport MRT, intercity buses, and city bus systems. More than 600,000 passengers pass through daily, and several major development projects are underway in the surrounding area.
The station mall is currently operated by Breeze Group under the name Breeze Taipei Station, with its contract set to expire on July 24, CNA reported. Taiwan Railways Corp. announced the tender in mid-January, with bids closing on March 20 and results originally scheduled for release in late April.
The contract will run for 15 years, with priority to renew for an additional eight years, and requires a minimum investment of NT$765 million (US$24.26 million), according to CNA. Taiwan Railways Corp. estimates annual revenue at around NT$4 billion, with a target of exceeding NT$5 billion.
Some other bidders have reportedly raised objections, and Taiwan Railways Corp. said it will follow the relevant procedures before making a public announcement.
