Unibail-Rodamco unveils Aeroville, its latest shopping center project for end-2013 (FR)

Aeroville is Unibail-Rodamco's most recent shopping center project. With all the necessary administrative authorizations now obtained, construction will begin within the next two months and is expected to be complete by end-2013.

Located in Tremblay-en-France, Roissy-en-France and on Paris Airports land, at the crossroads of the A1 motorway and Paris's 'Francilienne' ring road, the future shopping and services center will be an unrivalled activity and lifestyle hub in the heart of an exceptional catchment area of 1.8 million residents stretching from Paris' northern edge to the city of Compiègne. The total investment cost before financial expenses is expected to be approximately €321 million.

Traveling first class
The project will be developed over a single level much like a city center, with windows turned to the sky, bringing to mind airport walkways. Its design is inspired by a 'first class' shopping journey, and this travel theme will be cascaded down through a contemporary design that conjures up the five continents (Nordic Chic, Tokyo Mix, Tropical Design, Bali Market and Africa Lodge). They will also make finding one's way around easier and enable visitors to embark on a unique discovery tour that awakens all their senses. Aeroville's design has been entrusted to the architect, Philippe Chiambaretta (PCA), who has worked with Ricardo Boffil in the past. Saguez & Partners will be responsible for the center's interior design.

Destination shopping
Targeting the 120,000 employees in the area as well as the residents of the entire region who are looking to for well-being, emotion and excitement, Aeroville will cover a surface area of 80,000 m² GLA and offer all the facilities and services generally found in a city: 200 shops, 25 restaurants, nurseries, medical centers, spas, and more. A latest generation Auchan hypermarket, that includes a Drive service, will be a valuable addition.

The retail offer will give priority to innovative concepts that are highly attractive and differentiating. "My aim is to make each shop a veritable destination through the strength of its décor and the multi-sensorial power of its concept. Aeroville will be pleased to welcome a collection of unique flagships and entirely new concepts, together with the best international retailers," stressed Michel Dessolain, Unibail-Rodamco's Director General of Strategy.

Environmental and social excellence
The project will enable a 40% reduction in energy consumption compared to centers built in the early 2000s. It will comply with the most stringent criteria in terms of energy reduction and eco-design, with the use of glass walls to take advantage of natural light and cut back on the need for lighting. A partially underground parking station will reduce the need for lighting and facilitate natural ventilation due to free movement of air.

Within the framework of Unibail-Rodamco's sustainability development policy, Aeroville will aim to obtain a BREEAM rating of 'Very Good' or even 'Excellent', and will incorporate 100% of green leases.

The project will also allow the immediate creation of 1,500 jobs, eventually reaching 2,600, in partnership with the Est Val d'Oise and Tremblay-en-France job centers and the 'École de la 2ème Chance', a French employment initiative for people aged between 18 and 25.

Source: Unibail-Rodamco

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