VICTORIA – Ivanhoé Cambridge has announced that it will invest $72 million to expand and redevelop Mayfair Shopping Centre.
The significant investment will increase the gross leasable area from 454,000 square-foot (42,180 square-meters) today to approx. 554,000 square-foot (51,470 square-meters) after completion in the fall of 2018. The expansion will be executed along the Douglas Street frontage.
The 100,000 square-foot (approx. 9 290 square-meters) expansion will be anchored by two new large format stores. Discussions are ongoing with several brands that seek to establish their flagship location. When completed, the centre’s strong existing merchants roster will be further enhanced with new fashion, lifestyle and specialty apparel retailers and additional merchandise categories further solidifying Mayfair’s position as Victoria’s premier shopping destination.
“With this strategic investment, we support Mayfair’s dominant market position on Vancouver Island”, said Claude Sirois, President, Ivanhoé Cambridge Retail. “Not only will this project increase the centre’s offering but it will also bring changes that will go a long way in meeting our customers’ high expectations of a high quality shopping centre.”
Two levels of additional rooftop parking will also be constructed, connected by a new access ramp off Finlayson Street. This new access will improve the overall functionality of the existing roof parking, which is currently only accessible via Tolmie Ave.
The expansion is being complemented by a comprehensive interior renovation of the property. The work will include new washrooms, flooring, wayfinding signage, paint, furnishings and enhanced lighting for the common areas. The internal renovation will also simplify the circulation of the common areas which will further enhance the shopping experience.
To support the expansion, extra loading provisions for large format tenants will be provided. A new set of escalators and elevators will improve the connection to the rooftop parking. A new short term pick-up and drop-off zone with taxi waiting areas will be created, off Douglas Street to provide a convenient weather protected access to the main entry. The entry point to the lower level parking off Douglas Street will be relocated to align with a new signal at Speed Avenue allowing full movements into this convenient parking. New and enhanced wayfinding signage will be provided at all key entry points.
Mayfair will remain open during the duration of the expansion and renovation, which is planned over the next 24 months.
