The International Council of Shopping Centers launches 2009 Awards

The International council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) has launched its European Shopping Centre Awards for 2009. Acknowledged to be the most prestigious awards program within the European shopping center industry, the Awards bring international visibility and recognition to all finalists and winners.

From a shortlist of Finalists, outstanding schemes are selected as Award winners. Commendations may also be given to the selected finalists, in recognition of particular achievements or features of special interest.

Derek Barker, Chairman of the ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards, said: "The ICSC European Awards are not an award for design, although design is one of the judging criteria, but a statement of the overall excellence of the project taking into consideration amongst others: the retail mix, commercial performance, customer services, and the centre's successful integration into the surrounding infrastructure."

The jury is made up of top European professionals from all sectors of the industry enabling a thorough analysis and objective view of each candidate.

"With an enlarged Europe and new markets opening, perceptions and concepts are changing fast, making the world of Shopping Centers more and more exciting," added Derek Barker.

"Specialized destination projects, urban regeneration, 'niche' markets, open-air malls, and transport hubs are just some of the innovations that are rejuvenating our business, completing and fulfilling the classic retail centres that continue to attract our customers."

The 2008 ICSC Awards recognised 22 dynamic, cutting-edge shopping centers from 15 countries and was a record year for entrants with 34 centers participating.

The finalists will be announced in November at the Mapic Conference in Cannes and the winners at the ICSC European Conference in Barcelona on 23 April 2009.

All winners automatically participate in the International Design & Development Awards, where over the past few years many European centers have been distinguished.

To enter, visit www.icsc.org/europeanawards

Entries must be received by 5 September 2008 and Shopping Centers schemes, either new or refurbished must have been completed in the period 1 July 2006 to 20 June 2008 are eligible for entry.

Source: Nicky Godding Communications

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