$87-million expansion boasts modern amenities to heighten consumer experience
TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Ivanhoé Cambridge has officially opened its doors to reveal its $87-million expansion project at Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre. The 200,000-square-foot (18,600 m2) expansion on the east side of the property features a first-to-market dynamic Event Court, a futuristic Digital Lounge and an entertaining Sport Neighbourhood. Vaughan Mills also boasts 50 additional retail concepts, together offering an unparalleled shopping experience in Canada.
"As we approach Vaughan Mills' 10-year anniversary, we continue to focus on building momentum and are excited to celebrate our milestone with this expansion," says David Baffa, Senior Vice President, Retail Development, Ivanhoé Cambridge. "Our vision was to grow an already successful property and cultivate a one-of-a-kind modern shopping experience that offers impressive retailers and a connected destination."
Event Court
The expansion includes an innovative and contemporary setting with the Event Court featuring custom lighting and lounge seating. With 37-ft (11 m) ceilings and a seating capacity for about 50 people in soft, comfortable seats, the space can accommodate special events, and on occasion, shoppers will enjoy a variety of live entertainment programs, including fashion shows, displays, celebrity appearances and small performances.
Sport Neighbourhood
For sports enthusiasts, the expansion includes a Sports Court where consumers can catch televised sporting events on 12 large format television screens.
Digital Lounge
Driven by innovation and state-of-the-art technology, the expansion will also feature a fully Wi-Fi-connected Digital Lounge with full interactive capabilities, such as touch and gesture, designed in partnership with Cineplex Digital Solutions. To complement the shopping ambience, the Digital Lounge offers a fully connected experience, great for group collaboration and independent surfing.
"Our new and spectacular Digital Lounge provides shoppers with access to immersive content, relevant information and interactive amenities that enhance the shopping experience at Vaughan Mills," says Stephen Gascoine, General Manager, Vaughan Mills. "With features such as phone-charging outlets, gaming stations, experience stations as well as a live feed of Vaughan Mills' social media, we are proud to bring consumers this first-of-its-kind, interactive Digital Lounge."
The experience at Vaughan Mills starts from the moment consumers enter the expansion: A distinctive entrance leading to the new Sport Neighbourhood showcases bold colours and an eye-catching numerical icon. In addition to the features of the new Neighbourhood, a strong retail mix is added including brands such as PUMA, Reebok Outlet, ASICS Outlet, ivivva athletica, Atmosphere, Mountain Warehouse and Running Room.
"We are very pleased to welcome this impressive list of preferred retail brands to Vaughan Mills which will further amplify our compelling retail presence in the Greater Toronto Area, adding to the already diverse retail offering," says Sean Walters, Senior Vice President, National and Mills Leasing, Ivanhoé Cambridge. "Today marks the opening of a 20,000-ft2 (1,860 m2) Nike store, complemented by a strong roster of athletic and active-wear brands in the Sport Neighbourhood. Vaughan Mills remains the most dominant outlet shopping destination in the Toronto area, and a popular choice for our shoppers throughout the GTA and beyond."
At 1.27 million square feet (118,000 m2), Vaughan Mills is now home to 250 stores, 6,500 parking spaces, a new Neighbourhood, two new event courts, a Digital Lounge and three new anchors.
The final phase of the project will be completed in 2015 and includes a redesigned food court offering new dining options. It will also expand service capacity in the 1,000-seat floor plan and allow for improved traffic flow by creating a new central Speed-Lane feature. Additionally, a free Wi-Fi hot-spot will enhance the property's amenities.
About Vaughan Mills
A designated tourist attraction, Vaughan Mills is a true destination, capturing the best attributes of a super-regional centre, an outlet centre, and an entertainment venue set in an ambience of distinctive design and architecture. Over 13 million shoppers, families and tourists visit Vaughan Mills year after year for a shopping experience that includes: 17 specialty anchors, a mix of full-price and branded outlets, entertainment components and unique dining options, all within six themed neighbourhoods and five themed transition courts.
Vaughan Mills includes attractions such as Canada's first and only LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and Canada's flagship Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. The powerful retail mix includes unique concepts, such as hr2 Holt Renfrew, J. Crew Factory, Hugo Boss Factory Store, Ben Sherman UGG Australia Outlet, DKNY, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors Outlet, Aritzia, lululemon, A|X Armani Exchange Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, and coming soon, The Outlet by Harry Rosen, Cole Haan, Brooks Brothers Factory Store and Vince Camuto.
About Ivanhoé Cambridge
Ivanhoé Cambridge is a world-class real estate company that leverages its high-level expertise in all aspects of real estate including investment, development, asset management, leasing and operations, to deliver optimal returns for its investors. Its assets, held through multiple subsidiaries and located mainly in Canada, the United States, Europe, Brazil and Asia, totalled more than Cdn$40 billion as at December 31, 2013. Its portfolio consists mainly of shopping centres, office and multiresidential properties. Ivanhoé Cambridge is a real estate subsidiary of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (lacaisse.com), one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers. For further information: ivanhoecambridge.com.
SOURCE: Ivanhoé Cambridge
Vaughan Mills, Nicole Brightling, Citizen Relations, [email protected], +1.647-680-8575; Ivanhoé Cambridge, Sébastien Théberge, [email protected], Global: + 1 866-456-3342
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