Isn’t it amazing how a modern shopping center can echo the past? The Centro Commerciale Forum Palermo stands here a testament to Palermo’s blend of history and progress. It is the largest shopping center in Western Sicily.
Imagine this area before 2007. It was just land. Then in October 2007, the final authorization for construction arrived. A symbolic cornerstone was laid that December. Construction began in March 2008. The original plan included a Carrefour hypermarket. But in March 2009, Ipercoop replaced Carrefour.
Initially, a two-story gym was planned for leisure. This was later changed to a seven-screen multiplex cinema. This change delayed work in that area. The cinema opened some months after the rest of the center. Multidevelopment-C offered Palermo an inaugural concert on November 17 2009. The American singer Gloria Gaynor performed at the Politeama Theater.
The first inauguration of Centro Commerciale Forum Palermo happened on the evening of November 24 2009. Invitations were limited. Shops and the hypermarket were open but sales were not allowed. The public opening was on November 25. It was scheduled for 9:00 AM. Technical problems delayed it until 11:00 AM. A large crowd had gathered early causing tension. The opening of the Leroy Merlin store was planned for late 2010. It was postponed to September 14 2011.
The Centro Commerciale Forum Palermo averages over 700000 visitors each year. In April 2021, the Food Court expanded by 1400 square meters. This allowed for eight new restaurants. Lombardini 22 developed the project. The expansion also included renewable energy policies. These aimed to meet 40% of the center’s energy needs. On December 6 2022, the new Iperstore Decò opened. Coop sold the hypermarket to the Arena group. This changed the shopping center’s appearance. The sales area decreased and the Coop group left.
The Centro Commerciale Forum Palermo is easily accessible. It is near the Brancaccio highway exit on the A19. It is also near the Roccella stop on Palermo’s metropolitan railway service. Bus line AMAT number 226 serves the center. Tram line 1 also terminates in the parking area.
The architecture is carefully designed inside and out. The exterior resembles Palermo’s historic city center. It follows a Mediterranean village scheme. The irregular shapes of the shops resemble the streets of the old city. Fake windows above the shopfronts mimic houses. There are three entrances. Fashion Square and Water Square are at the ends. The Village leads to the food court. The historic Baglio Villa has been restored outside. It now houses three restaurants. A building for DIY and home improvement stands opposite the entrance. It covers about 10000 square meters.
The Centro Commerciale Forum Palermo includes 135 shops. It has a seven-screen cinema with 1300 seats. It offers accessibility for disabled people. There is also a bus terminal and restrooms. You can find ATMs and a bank branch too. The Centro Commerciale Forum Palermo wants to be more than a shopping center. It strives to be a social hub. It aims to be a place for people to meet and enjoy themselves. It also promotes local culture and services. It is a place that embraces sustainability. It is a modern space reflecting Palermo’s vibrant character.