Go East: Shopping centre redevelopment in the Maritimes

Shopping centre landlords in the Canadian Mari­time provinces are investing heavily into their cen­tres to maintain market share.

The Halifax area, which is the largest metro region in the Maritimes, has seen millions of dollars of in­vestments in shopping centres including the Halifax Shopping Centre and Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth.

The Halifax Shopping Centre has seen interior renovations as well as the addition of various new retailers with a similar mix seen in shopping cen­tres in larger markets. More than $70 million was spent on a mall makeover that included renovated common areas as well as an additional 75,000 square feet of retail space. Enhanced food and bev­erage offerings have been added to increase dwell time as well as visitor frequency.

Mic Mac Mall, located in Dartmouth, is also see­ing substantial investments which next year will include a location for French sporting goods be­hemoth Decathlon, a first for the region. Landlord Ivanhoé Cambridge is investing over $55 million in the centre which will include a renovation to its common areas, washrooms, and a relocation of the centre’s foot court, among other changes. Other new retailers are being added as well, no doubt to keep up with the competition across Halifax Harbour.

In Newfoundland, landlord Crombie REIT is in­vesting well over $100 million in its Avalon Mall prop­erty in St. John’s, coinciding with the shopping cen­tre’s 50th anniversary. Included are new retailers such as H&M and Old Navy, while other retailers such as Winners/HomeSense relocate as part of a centre re­design. Common areas are seeing renovations while a former Sears box was demolished, and new space is built. In keeping with the trends of food and bever­age and entertainment, Avalon mall is adding new restaurants. And in 2019, Cineplex-owned entertain­ment concept ‘The Rec Room’ opened to the public. Avalon Mall is one of the most productive shopping centres in Canada and its most recent updates will solidify its position as the dominant shopping centre in Newfoundland and Labrador.

BY CRAIG PATTERSON