It was already a mall. What's changing here?
Small, adaptable, cheap retail spaces that work well for small businesses turning into large, cavernous double-height, style over practicality, likely unaffordable spaces.
Two-level spaces are neat and can be cool in some situations, but are they really what makes sense for most businesses? Should all the retail be two-level? Nobody wants to be going up and down stairs while shopping and carrying heavy things. There are accessibility aspects to think about as well. Is each space going to have an elevator?? If not: that's not great, how are people with mobility issues supposed to get up there? If so: that sounds like an expense and complication that will drive the cost of these spaces up.
While some restaurants, bars, cafes might work in a double-level high-ceilinged place, that's not necessarily good for many of those either. People often feel more comfortable in a smaller cosier space and large open spaces can lead to an echoey and exhausting loud acoustic experience.
There's lots of reasons I think these might not be ideal. That's why I wonder what the target business they're thinking of for these is. I can't imagine many where this would be a well suited space. They don't even seem like they'd be good for the Toronto condo retail classics: banks and Shoppers Drug Marts.
