A European shopping center was one of only two worldwide to achieve top global honors at the International Council of Shopping Centers' (ICSC) VIVA Awards in Las Vegas on May 23.
Liverpool One, developed by Grosvenor and owned by Grosvenor Liverpool Fund is a retail-driven, mixed-use project that transformed 17 hectares of Liverpool's city center into a dynamic commercial destination.
30 buildings have been designed by 26 different architects, in five distinct districts built around the existing streets of the city. Each district offers a different character and design, and together they add up to 175 retail shops totaling 130,000 m², plus leisure and catering, restaurants, apartments, hotels, offices, a new public transportation interchange and a replacement five-acre public park over underground parking.
Peter Vernon, CEO of Grosvenor Britain & Ireland who accepted the Award in Las Vega, said: "We are all enormously proud of Liverpool One, and part of that pride comes from having developed not only a commercial success, but one that provides a vibrant, urban environment for the people of Liverpool."
Liverpool One revitalized a derelict area of the city center, attracted shoppers back to the city, and propelled it 10 places up the retail rankings to 5th in the UK.
AEON LakeTown, Koshigaya, Japan won the VIVA Sustainability Award.
Also commended as honorees were:
- Forum Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany developed by Multi Development Germany GmbH, which opened in September 2008.
- The Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Queen Victoria Building, Sydney, Australia
- Westfield SouthCenter, Tukwila, Washington
Two European shopping center marketing campaigns were also honored at the glittering Las Vegas celebration:
- Bruun's Galleri, Aarhus, Denmark for its 'Icon Weeks' campaign, which focused on great icons of modern culture such a Mick Jagger, Grace Jones, Mickey Mouse, Michael Jackson and The Beatles to celebrate how icons inspire fashion.
- Steen & Strøm Centres, Denmark was honored for its ambitious 'Mr Green' campaign run across all 17 shopping centers in Denmark to enhance focus on both environmental and social responsibility.
Source: Nicky Godding