Page 40 - #195 Dec2024/Jan2025

RLI FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Placemaking

in Commercial

Retail Projects

The Distillery District, Toronto, Canada
Jonathan Doughty is a global thought leader, consultant, speaker, moderator and C-suite executive
in the foodservice and leisure sectors working around the world in retail, transit and leisure.
In our final issue of the year, he offers his thoughts and ideas on the topic of placemaking.

lacemaking in commercial retail has retail standards with local market conditions 2. MIXED-USE INTEGRATION
Pevolved from simply building shopping and cultural preferences. It has never been so Retail alone is no longer sufficient to create
centres to creating vibrant destinations important as it is today to be part of the social vibrant places. We all know that so recognise
that serve as community anchors. This fabric, as well as looking to the future. that successful projects combine retail with
transformation reflects a deeper understanding The most successful retail placemaking residential, office, cultural and public spaces.
of how physical spaces influence human projects blur the lines between public and Integration of multiple uses creates round- Showcasing
behaviour, social interaction and economic private space. This is easy to say, but not the-clock activity and sustainable foot traffic,
vitality. Passion now plays a strong part too… easy to do. Quincy Market and Faneuil getting the very best from your “day parts”.
Traditional retail developments often Hall Marketplace in Boston demonstrated
prioritised efficiency and convenience over a long time ago how historic preservation 3. PUBLIC REALM PRIORITY the UK on the
experience. However, the rise of e-commerce can combine with retail and food to create a High-quality public spaces are essential to
and changing consumer preferences has forced distinctive destination. The project’s success successful retail placemaking, giving people
a radical rethinking of physical retail spaces, both lies in its seamless integration with surrounding a “place to be” not just a “place to spend”.
in layout and content. Successful modern retail neighbourhoods and public spaces. The project Investment in public realm improvements Global Stage
placemaking focuses on creating memorable lives as part of a wider, urban landscape. generates long-term value and the programming
experiences that cannot be replicated online, Similarly, Toronto’s Distillery District shows and activation of public spaces creates
being “in the place” is so much more important how industrial heritage can be preserved while community engagement around your project.
and grasps the opportunity to differentiate the creating a vibrant retail and cultural destination.
“place” from an online “space”. The project’s pedestrian-only streets and 4. FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTATION Housing Matters! 10 March
Contemporary retail placemaking integrates preservation of historic buildings create an Retail spaces must be designed to evolve
multiple elements: public spaces, cultural authentic sense of place that draws both locals with changing consumer preferences, not just 11-14 March 2025
programming, local character and mixed-use and tourists. Taking cars out of urban areas constructed for the next 25 years. Technology
development. Projects like Liverpool ONE in seems to be a strong theme right now to return integration should enhance rather than replace Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France
the UK and Potsdamer Platz in Berlin exemplify places to people for their enjoyment and use. physical experiences, helping to change spaces
this approach, seamlessly blending retail Modern retail placemaking increasingly which can accommodate multiple uses and
with public realm improvements and cultural emphasises sustainability and community programming types. In 2024, the UK took center stage at MIPIM, leading discussions around inward
attractions. Both developments have restored benefit. Projects like Westfield Stratford City investment and showcasing the country’s key strengths. Many UK cities also
historic streets and buildings while introducing in London incorporated significant public 5. COMMUNITY VALUE CREATION established their own presence, highlighting their regional opportunities.
modern retail, food and leisure elements, realm improvements and transportation Successful placemaking generates benefits
creating a space that feels authentically infrastructure as part of their development. beyond retail sales. Projects should contribute In 2025, leaders from the UK market will return to MIPIM, as part of a
connected to the city’s fabric and history. The project’s integration with the 2012 to broader urban regeneration goals, which are strengthened UK programme including the launch of the first-ever UK Hub: a
Successful retail placemaking must respect Olympics legacy demonstrates how retail can acknowledged and loved by the community and 3-day event and exhibition dedicated to supporting the UK market and the UK
and enhance local identity. Dubai Mall, while contribute to broader urban regeneration goals both environmental and social sustainability cities and regions that exhibit at MIPIM.
enormous in scale, incorporates traditional and benefit from massive peak footfall early on. should be core design considerations.
Arabic architectural elements and local cultural So, to try and help the future development of The future of retail placemaking lies in As British cities recover from the pandemic and drive national growth, MIPIM
references. Similarly, Tokyo’s Omotesando great places, here are my five key “Take-Outs”. creating authentic, mixed-use destinations offers a unique platform to present major property and regeneration projects
Hills responds to Japanese spatial concepts that serve multiple community functions to global investors, positioning UK regions for capital investment. Don’t miss this
and consumer behaviours, demonstrating how 1. AUTHENTIC LOCAL while providing distinctive experiences that opportunity—join us at MIPIM 2025 and put your projects in front of the world’s
global retail concepts can be localised effectively CONNECTION cannot be replicated online AND achieve top decision-makers.
and keep the local community engaged and “on Successful retail placemaking must reflect sales. Success requires careful attention to
side”. Ignoring this hugely important aspect is and enhance local character and culture. local context, high-quality public realm design Early bird ends 21 Nov – Register now!
st
no longer an option. Projects should integrate with existing urban and flexibility to adapt to changing consumer
In emerging markets, retail placemaking fabric and community needs and the design preferences and technologies. The end result
often serves as a catalyst for broader urban and programming should reference local should not just be commercially successful but
development. Projects can create new urban heritage and traditions. Ignore “local” and you long term socially resonant. mipim.com
centres but must carefully balance international ignore authenticity. Now go and make a special place…

40 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025

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