PortugalÂ's second largest shopping centre was opened in Lisbon yesterday at around 8:30 pm by Portuguese Prime Minister Barroso. A total sum of €250 million was invested in the Almada Forum retail centre, a Multi Development Corporation (MDC) project.
It is MDCÂ's largest European project to date, covering a total surface area of 110,000 m². It is located on the south bank of the river Tagus, along the A2 motorway connecting Lisbon to southern Portugal and Spain, in the cityÂ's Almada district. A total of 700,000 people live within a 30-minute driving distance from the shopping centre. The centre is expected to attract 20 million people in the first year, generating total sales of €400 million.
The project will encompass 260 shops on 3 levels. Anchor stores include Auchan Jumbomarket, Zara, C&A, ToysÂ'R Us, Fnac, Cortefiel and Sportzone. There will be 35 restaurants, a Warner-Lusomundo cinema featuring 12 screens, a 2,000 m² entertainment centre and a two-level underground parking facility with approximately 5,000 car spaces. The entire complex had already been let 8 months prior to opening, indicating the amount of trust people put in the project.
Parties involved
The project was developed and realised by MDC in collaboration with Auchan Group. It was acquired by Commerz Grundbesitz Investmentgesellschaft GmbH from Frankfurt, Germany. T+T Design is responsible for its concept.
Many international artists
Eye-catching elements in the centreÂ's original concept are two thematic and imaginatively decorated squares. Stretched out in front of the main entrance lies a gigantic mermaid, decked out in glistening mirror mosaic visible from far away. The western square features a round atrium dedicated to nature, with an enormous rock rising up from the basement. It will be decorated with a variety of natural, exotic plants and a waterfall. On top is an enormous glass sky dome. The shops in this area will be dedicated to family and household products and fashion. In the eastern tower the theme will be science and technology, with less natural light and a youthful urban environment based on light effects featuring laser beams and holograms. The squares will be connected by a three-level shopping mall.
The food court was themed on an old fishing village. It reminds of the days when Almada was located on the river bank as well as the beaches of the nearby Caparica shoreline. A team of international artists was involved in designing the numerous works of art and applied art projects.
The concept is aimed at totally integrating the shopping centre into the rolling landscape and making it the centre of life and culture of the community.
MDC / Multi Vastgoed
MDC / Multi Vastgoed is part of the listed company Amstelland MDC NV. MDC (operating in The Netherlands as Multi Vastgoed) is an international developer of commercial real estate, focusing on integral development in urban city centres (combined with leisure) and offices. MDC / Multi Vastgoed has received numerous awards for previous projects, including the prestigious ICSC Award for the best shopping centres in Europe and the Mipim Award. Other high profile national and international projects include: The Netherlands (Beursplein, Rotterdam and Nike European Headquarters, Hilversum), Ireland (Victoria Square, Belfast 50,000 m²), Czech Republic (Chodov Prague, 120,000 m² , in collaboration with Rodamco) and France (Arcueil Paris, 60,000 m²).
(source: Amstelland MDC)
