Page 41 - #181 May 2023

RLI InteRnatIonaL ShoppIng CentRe

RenovatIon

CReteIL SoLeIL ShoppIng CentRe
paRIS, FRanCe
In 2016, Chapman Taylor won a design competition for the complete
refurbishment of the Creteil Soleil Shopping Centre. The centre had not
been refurbished since the 1970’s when it was built. It was extended in early
2000 but not renovated (aesthetically or in terms of MEP). The shopping
centre is located in a suburb of Paris where there is a large immigrant and
student population. The current shopping centre is a “barrier” between
two residential areas and also between the metro station and the public
administration buildings where many people work. There is no “public
square” in this town and there is a lack of places for the public to congregate.
Chapman Taylor’s proposal for the competition was to make Creteil Soleil
less of a traditional shopping centre and more “urban”, to invite the city
into the building, enhancing the shopping ambience and for the benefit of
the wider area.

ShoppIng CentRe ZuIdpLeIn

RotteRdam, the netheRLandS
TconcepT’s design of the renewed Shopping Mall Zuidplein in Rotterdam
was (re)opened on 25 January 2023 by the mayor of Rotterdam Aboutaleb.
The Dutch-based architectural firm designed a renewed fresh interior
with some impressive shopfronts for the outdated ’70s shopping mall of
60,000sq m GLA, while the mall also got an extension of 7,000sq m GLA
with convenience stores. Zuidplein is the main shopping centre of the
southern part of Rotterdam with over 160 shops and is one of the biggest
shopping malls in The Netherlands. The mall is the centre of the Heart of
the South mixed-use densification area with residential elements, a cinema,
a theatre, a hotel and a convention centre. The upgrade of Shopping Mall
Zuidplein focussed primarily in improving the quality, circulation and the
experience of the mall. Entrances, malls, squares and touch points have
been redesigned. By removing bridges and stairs, creating higher shop fronts
and using light and natural materials, the mall transformed to a transparent
and fresh environment.

ShopvILLe gRan Reno
BoLogna, ItaLy
The project led by Design International is a transformative scheme from
a single mall anchored by a Carrefour hypermarket and associated shop
units to an entirely new two-level “loop” shopping mall, with a large food
plaza on a third level, integrated with skyline landscaping, an open theatre
and over 4,000 car spaces. It has attracted major international occupiers
not previously seen in Bologna. The scheme opens almost fully let, from
a mix of typically Italian brands to international names such as Primark,
H&M and Zara. This enhanced tenant mix means the former out-of-town
retail park is now a regional shopping centre. The development presented
an opportunity to resolve some of the circulation issues around the site.
The new scheme provides direct links with IKEA, the Unipol stadium and
the train station, with Gran Reno at the centre. Meanwhile, the new car
park feeds directly onto all floors, including the third-level food plaza.
The design was outdated and lacking in light, family and children’s sharing
spaces and green areas.

MAY 2023 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL 41