Work is now underway on a new 35,000-square-metre luxury goods mall at Vancouver International Airport.
The mall, which is being built in partnership with European designer outlet developer McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, is slated to open in the spring of 2015, and is expected to create 1,000 new jobs.
"This project reinforces our role in the economic development of the region," said Tony Gugliotta, senior vice-president of marketing and business development for Vancouver Airport Authority.
"Not only will it increase the region's destination appeal for travelers and create approximately 1,000 jobs, but it will also offer the airport an alternative revenue source that will allow us to continue building YVR as a premier global gateway which, in turn, will create even more jobs."
The new mall is being built in two phases on the northeast corner of Sea Island near the Templeton Canada Line station.
The first phase will have 22,500 square metres of retail space, featuring luxury brand stores, restaurants and cafes. It will be expanded by another 12,500 square metres at a later date.
McArthurGlen specializes in building high-end retail malls for luxury goods and designer brand.
"We are already seeing strong interest from leading European and North American fashion brands," said Joan Jove, McArthurGlen's development director for North America.
"Vancouver offers an excellent location, economic strength, tourism potential, as well as a strong partner in the Vancouver Airport Authority – all elements that guarantee success when opening a premium retail centre."
The mall is part of a broader plan to develop a major "aerotropolis" next to the airport on Sea Island. In addition to the new mall, Canada Post is also building a new $200 million, 700,000-square-foot mail-processing plant that it plans to occupy starting this year.
The airport authority's plans to build a mini-city on Sea Island has been opposed by the City of Richmond, which says the new business park as inconsistent with its own city planning.
The city has limited say on what takes place on Sea Island, however, because although it is within the city's boundaries, it is federal land – outside of municipal jurisdiction.
