The 225 Million investment creates over 900 direct jobs and supports the city's growth. Multi opened Forum Palermo to over 72,000 locals. The 65,000 m² project with 124 units is developed by Multi Development-C Italia and will be managed by Multi Mall Management Italy. This project is the first major retail project in the capital city of Sicily, southern Italy.
 ))
Forum Palermo will directly provide over 900 new jobs.
Forum Palermo is Multi's third project in Italy ("I Petali" shopping center in Reggio Emilia and Retail Park "Mestre" were opened in 2007 and 2008). It is a strategic development in Multi's international portfolio.
2,500 VIP guests attended a spectacular preview in the evening of November 24. The shopping center was inaugurated by the Mayor of Palermo, Mr. Diego Cammarata and the President of the Province of Palermo, Mr. Giovanni Avanti, together with Multi Development-C Italia Managing Director, Mr. Paolo Tassi.
Mr. Cammarata said: "This project is a milestone in the road of the city development. It is also a benchmark for next generation sustainable development. Multi has succeeded in integrating a modern, high quality shopping center into the surroundings thus bringing a new lease of life to this part of the city."
Mr. Avanti declared: "No doubt Forum Palermo will attract customers and visitors from all of Western Sicily. This project is totally brand new and long awaited by the millions living around the capital city. I believe that the impact on local economy will be greater than every expectation."
Mr. Tassi said: "Forum Palermo combines Multi's values and extraordinary capability to operate in the local framework. It will be the place where to be, to unveil new goods, to taste local and ethnic gastronomy, to enjoy shopping in a peaceful and warm atmosphere. With its impressive catchment area, it will support the growth of the economy of the region." Forum Palermo is anchored by a 13,500 m² Ipercoop hypermarket, a 9,150 m² stand alone DIY anchor and includes the renovation of two existing buildings. The site is excellently located close to the motorway connecting Palermo to Messina and Trapani and adjacent to a railway station. About 3,000 parking spaces will be available, with over 2,500 for the shopping center.
Investment totals 225 million and will directly provide over 900 new jobs and significant new indirect employment thus boosting the city economy. The catchment area covers over 1 million people who live within 30 minutes drive.
Forum Palermo hosts an impressive mix of international, national and local brands in 124 units, with anchors such as Cisalfa, Conbipel, H&M, Mediaworld, New Yorker, Piazza Italia and Scarpe & Scarpe. A 7-screens UCI cinema will open in Spring 2010 and the stand-alone anchor, Leroy Merlin, will open in Autumn 2010.
The project was designed by Multi's T+T Design, Gouda, The Netherlands, Progetto CMR and Lombardini 22. It is a closed scheme featuring state-of-the art architecture perfectly woven into the surrounding environment. With strong sustainability features and iconic design, Forum Palermo brings a totally new retail and leisure experience to Sicily.
Sour
