Chapter 1: A Journey Through Abandoned Spaces

Exploring the somber remnants of a former shopping hub, once hailed as a beacon of modernity, reveals the poignant beauty of decay.

There’s an undeniable allure in ruins, evoking a complex mix of nostalgia and melancholy that draws many to explore these forgotten spaces.

Section 1.1: The Force Entertainment Centre

The mall, previously known as The Force Entertainment Centre in Auckland, New Zealand, was photographed by William Sidnam in May 2024. My interest in abandoned sites led me to this location during a recent visit to my hometown. Though I hadn’t planned to explore it, the opportunity was irresistible.

Upon arrival, I was taken aback by the extent of its decline. What I had heard about its deteriorating condition didn’t fully prepare me for the reality. All around, I was surrounded by the remnants of what was once considered "the mall of the future."

Though I had forgotten my camera, I utilized my iPhone to capture the haunting scenes. Ironically, using a device once viewed as futuristic to document this decaying entertainment hub felt oddly appropriate.

Section 1.2: Echoes of the Past

The food court, now a shadow of its former self, tells a story of abandonment.

Years ago, my first experience there felt like stepping into a sci-fi dream. The architecture — bold and unconventional — seemed inspired by the likes of Blade Runner, with neon lights casting an otherworldly glow.

Borders bookstore, a staple of the mall, added to its cultural allure, making the place feel significant. Yet, as the years passed, the mall's vibrancy faded. The closure of Borders marked the beginning of a downward spiral.

What once brimmed with excitement became a shadow of itself, especially after a new owner shuttered the food court and most shops.

Chapter 2: The Dystopian Reality

The first video showcases the desolation of McKinley Mall, a former shopping hub now left in a state of neglect. It highlights the stark contrast between past vibrancy and current decay.

In the second video, titled "DEAD MALL SERIES REMASTERED: NEON DREAMS in 4K," viewers are taken on a surreal tour of abandoned malls, capturing the eerie beauty of these forgotten spaces.

Returning after two years abroad, I was shocked to see how desolate the mall had become. Besides a cinema, a bowling alley, and a dollar store, it felt almost lifeless. Memories flooded back, particularly of visiting with my father for the Star Wars: Episode III premiere — a moment now shrouded in nostalgia.

The mall's unique sci-fi aesthetic now felt more pronounced in its emptiness. It embodied a cyberpunk atmosphere, with the remnants of its former glory now hauntingly juxtaposed against the stark reality of corporate neglect.

Riding the neon escalator, I caught sight of the food court, now eerily closed off. A sign that once buzzed with life seemed to mock the silence that enveloped it.

The food court's barricade showcased a rendering of what the mall's future could have been, yet the absence of any renovation plans loomed heavy.

As I strolled through the upper floor, it became clear that many restaurants had closed not due to a lack of customers but rather skyrocketing rents imposed by the owner.

This experience stirred memories of the pandemic, where even shuttered businesses felt alive in their struggle. Here, however, decay reigned supreme.

A dying mall, suspended between life and death, evokes a sense of inevitability. Although people still wandered through its halls, often heading to the cinema, the atmosphere felt unsettling.

Leaving the mall behind, I returned to the lively streets outside, filled with a bittersweet sense of loss for a once-thriving part of my childhood.