Construction Begins on Sea Island Luxury Designer Outlet

RICHMOND, BC, Jan. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - British Columbia's first luxury designer outlet centre is set to open in the spring of 2015, with construction now underway at the 30-acre site on Vancouver International Airport (YVR) land.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport – a partnership between Vancouver Airport Authority and McArthurGlen Group, Europe's leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets – will offer 35,000 square metres of luxury, designer and lifestyle retail on the northeast corner of Sea Island near the Templeton Canada Line station.

"This project reinforces our role in the economic development of the region," said Tony Gugliotta, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Vancouver Airport Authority. "Not only will it increase the region's destination appeal for travelers and create approximately 1,000 jobs, but it will also offer the airport an alternative revenue source that will allow us to continue building YVR as a premier global gateway which, in turn, will create even more jobs."

The designer outlet centre, which will also help keep local dollars in the local economy, will be developed in two phases: the first phase will offer 22,500 square metres of retail space, including the most sought-after North American and European luxury brands, as well as restaurants and cafes, with 12,500 square metres added once all phases are open.

"McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport will offer a highly distinctive, luxury-oriented retail destination in Vancouver," said Joan Jove, McArthurGlen's Development Director for North America. "We are already seeing strong interest from leading European and North American fashion brands. Vancouver offers an excellent location, economic strength, tourism potential, as well as a strong partner in the Vancouver Airport Authority – all elements that guarantee success when opening a premium retail centre."

The company's Designer Outlets in Europe are known for brands such as Prada, Armani, Burberry, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna and Michael Kors.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport will feature two luxury piazzas, and is designed as an open-air village, with pedestrian-friendly walkways and tree-lined streets.  Design elements are inspired by iconic Vancouver architecture, including the city's first post-office building, c. 1937 (now part of the Sinclair Centre complex), the Vancouver Rowing Club, c.1911, and the distinctive brick facades associated with historic Gastown.

About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 17.9 million passengers in 2013. Sixty-eight airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 89 non-stop destinations worldwide. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2013 donated more than $700,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.

McArthurGlen Group
McArthurGlen Group, Europe's leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets, was founded in Europe by Kaempfer Partners in 1993. The pioneer of designer outlet retailing in the region, McArthurGlen has since developed nearly 600,000 sq m/6.5 million sq ft of outlet space, with a current value of over Euro3 billion, and manages 20 McArthurGlen Designer Outlets across eight countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK. The centres are home to the most sought-after luxury, designer and high-street brands, and offer fashion-savvy customers year-round savings of 30-70% in a vibrant shopping environment. In 2013, McArthurGlen became a joint venture between the world's largest retail developer, Simon Property Group, and Kaempfer Partners. As part of its on-going expansion, the first McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in North America is due to open in Vancouver in 2015. For more information, please visit www.mcarthurglengroup.com.

Also available:

• High-resolution renderings; visit yvr.ca/media

SOURCE: Vancouver Airport Authority

YVR Media Relations, 604.880.9815, [email protected], @yvrairport