A New Department Store Is Coming to Taiwan! '30,000-Ping Mega Mall with 230 Brands and a Cinema' — Convenient Parking, Location, and Opening Date Revealed

Changhua County’s population has surpassed one million, making it the largest county in Taiwan outside the six major cities. Yet, it has lacked a large-scale department store for over a decade. The long-awaited 'Fengyuan Department Store Changhua,' with a total investment of NT$4.3 billion, officially broke ground in August 2023, aiming for completion and operation by the end of 2026. However, recent developments have revealed a major delay: Fengyuan Department Store has formally applied to the Changhua City Government to extend the construction period to the first quarter of 2029. In response, Changhua Mayor Lin Shih-Hsien publicly stated that the city government is 'leaning toward disapproval,' casting uncertainty over the opening of Changhua’s first major department store.

Why is Fengyuan Department Store Changhua delaying its opening? Soft soil turns site into a 'pool,' requiring NT$80 million in additional improvements

The Fengyuan Department Store Changhua site is located on Xuguang West Road in Changhua City, adjacent to Chenggong Park. The site, formerly the city’s second parking lot, covers approximately 2,150 ping (0.71 hectares). The project held a grand groundbreaking ceremony on August 14, 2023, and received its building permit in March 2024, officially commencing construction.

Regarding the significant delay, Fengyuan Department Store explained that the initial phase involved extensive time for environmental impact assessments and geological surveys. After excavation began, the construction team discovered the site was once a pond, resulting in extremely soft soil. To ensure absolute structural safety for future high-rise buildings, the contractor first invested over NT$50 million to redesign the building structure, then added approximately NT$80 million for large-scale ground improvement works. Combined with severe labor and material shortages across Taiwan in recent years, overall construction progress has fallen significantly behind schedule. Although underground excavation has been completed and heavy machinery has been deployed, the developer is still seeking an extension from the city government.

Construction period may exceed five years! Mayor Lin Shih-Hsien draws a line: Annual NT$50 million payment required even if not operational

In response to Fengyuan’s extension request, the Changhua city government has taken a firm stance. Mayor Lin stated that Fengyuan initially committed to opening by the end of 2026 or early 2027. Due to structural reinforcement and other factors, the completion date was verbally extended to 2028, but the company has now formally applied to delay until Q1 2029. Lin emphasized that if calculated from the 2023 groundbreaking, the total construction period would exceed five years, which he considers too long. Therefore, the city government is currently inclined to reject the extension.

Moreover, Mayor Lin revealed a key clause in the investment agreement: According to the contract signed by both parties, Fengyuan Department Store Changhua must complete construction by the end of 2026 and begin paying an annual 'fixed operating rights fee' of NT$50 million starting in 2027, regardless of construction progress. This means that even if delays prevent the store from opening in 2027, Fengyuan must still pay NT$50 million annually to the Changhua City Government, significantly increasing its operational cost burden.

Fengyuan Department Store Changhua. (Image: Changhua County Government official website)

First look: 4 highlights of Fengyuan Department Store Changhua — 30,000-ping one-stop mall, cinema, 230 brands

Despite controversy over the opening timeline, the planning blueprint for Fengyuan Department Store Changhua remains highly anticipated. Once completed, it will not only transform Changhua residents’ shopping habits but also redefine the city’s skyline.

Highlight 1: Setting a record as 'Changhua’s tallest building'

Fengyuan Department Store Changhua is designed as a super-large mixed-use complex with 4 underground levels and 21 above-ground floors, reaching a height of 84.7 meters. Upon completion, it will surpass the current tallest building, the Chien Kuo University of Science and Technology Library and Humanities R&D Building (approximately 75.35 meters), becoming the new tallest landmark in Changhua.

Highlight 2: 30,000-ping one-stop mall for all demographics

The project has a total floor area of approximately 30,000 ping, with four main operational pillars: shopping, dining, entertainment, and experiential activities. A large multiplex cinema will be introduced, along with a food court, themed restaurants, family-friendly play areas, and cultural exhibition spaces. In the future, Changhua residents will no longer need to travel to Taichung for movie outings or dining — they can enjoy a complete entertainment experience locally.

Highlight 3: Attracting 230 renowned international brands

The mall plans to recruit and host up to 230 international luxury and popular fashion brands, creating significant local employment opportunities and boosting the commercial vitality and economic benefits of surrounding areas.

Highlight 4: Integrated with a multi-level parking structure to solve downtown parking shortages

The project features an integrated design combining the department store with a large multi-level parking facility. It will provide 700 car parking spaces and 1,200 motorcycle spaces. Dedicated EV charging spots, disabled-accessible spaces, priority parking for women and families, and bicycle parking zones will also be included, effectively alleviating the long-standing parking shortage around Xuguang West Road in Changhua City.

Fengyuan Department Store Changhua — Latest Development Progress and Specifications Summary

Category: Store Location Details: No. 75 Xuguang West Road, Chenggong Village, Changhua City, Changhua County (adjacent to Chenggong Park, former second parking lot)

Category: Total Investment Details: Approximately NT$4.3 billion

Category: Building Scale Details: 4 underground floors, 21 above-ground floors, 84.7 meters tall (will become Changhua’s tallest building upon completion)

Category: Total Floor Area Details: Approximately 30,000 ping

Category: Expected Brands Details: Around 230 international brands, themed restaurants, and food court vendors

Category: Entertainment Facilities Details: Large multiplex cinema, family entertainment complex, cultural exhibition space

Category: Transportation and Parking Details: 700 car spaces, 1,200 motorcycle spaces (including EV charging, disabled, women/family priority)

Category: Original Target Operation Details: Target completion by end of 2026, aiming for opening in early 2027

Category: Latest Extension Request Details: Developer cites soft soil, NT$80 million in additional ground improvement, and labor shortages, applying to extend to Q1 2029

Category: Local Government Stance Details: Mayor Lin Shih-Hsien stated leaning toward disapproval; Fengyuan must pay NT$50 million annually starting in 2027 per contract