BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — Anyone who goes to the Neshaminy Mall these days can see that it resembles a ghost town.
It used to be a crown jewel for the township, drawing shoppers from far and near to iconic anchor stores like Macy’s.
But now the mall needs a makeover. The mall’s new owners know it. The mayor knows it. Residents know it. And shoppers know it.
One commenter suggested a Waffle House and an outdoor shooting range.
Another mentioned Buc-ees, the popular Southern convenience store supercenters. Someone said to put a Hobby Lobby there. Another offered an Urgent Care.
Several commenters said some sort of housing would be perfect, maybe mixing with retail. That idea is becoming more popular these days as malls, like the Oxford Valley Mall, go that route. One said “yuppie apartments.”
But then many people stated that Bensalem is too crowded with housing and will already clutter local roads and add to the gridlock from the Route 1 construction project.
One commenter said a town center similar to what’s in place in King of Prussia would be perfect since the mall has lots of acreage.
And the final commenter on the story had this to say: “Just put good stores there.”
The mall was sold last summer to Paramount Realty, which currently owns several other malls, including the neighboring Woodhaven Mall.
The entire property, excluding the former Macy’s, was included in the sale and positions this Property as an excellent redevelopment opportunity featuring a high-performing Boscov’s, Barnes & Noble, and a 24-screen AMC Theatre in addition to On The Border and UNO Chicago Grill, which are located outside the mall.
Fusion Gyms had planned a state-of-the-art gym and fitness center at the shuttered Macy’s Department Store, but the mayor said recently that those plans fell through.
Plans called for a vast fitness center with a 9-hole golf course, 30 golf simulators, 20 pickleball courts, and a Las Vegas-style swimming pool. Outside, there would have been another eight pickleball courts.