The aim of these renovations is to make the center more attractive by redefining its identity, with a customer focus based on the “Live, Shop, Play” concept, and by expanding its commercial offer. Once the new spaces are available this spring, Westland will have a total surface area of 52,000 sq m. Almost 90% of the total retail space has been commercialized to date.
Astrid Flamand, Senior Transaction & Development Manager – Retail at AG Real Estate, who is in charge of the redevelopment, confirms: “We are entering the final stretch of the works with composure and enthusiasm. The challenge of the last few months, aim to transform an operational shopping center while minimising the nuisance for retailers and local residents in the midst of a global health crisis, it has been brilliantly met by the team. We can be very proud of the technical, aesthetic, and commercial outcome.”
The progress in numbers:
- more than 90% of the space is rented, or in the final stages of negotiation
- 34 existing retailers have committed to renovating their stores
- 17 new retailers are confirmed for installation
- an expanded offering of new F&B and leisure brands will occupy more than 15% of the total shopping area
- 40% increase in parking and inclusion of soft mobility
Some of the retailers include:
Press Shop, DI, CLUB, Claire’s, Neuhaus, Foot Locker, Damart, and Alan Paul have started work on refurbishing their private cells and have aligned themselves with the look and feel of the new center. Naf Naf, Etam, Undiz, Yves Rocher, and Neckerman will follow in the coming months.
Since the summer of 2021, the supermarket Delhaize has been offering its new service concept in new premises of no less than 4,000 sq m, created for them at the north end of the site. The Swedisch retailer H&M currently housed on the ground floor, adding an extra floor and increasing its surface area to almost 2, 200 sq m.
New brands to come:
Peek & Cloppenburg is re-entering the Belgian market, at the center with a sales area spread over two floors in premises of more than 4, 000 sq m, located in the central part of the mall. The Turkish retailer, English Home, has recently opened a 250 sq m shop, offering interior design and decoration items. The fashion labels Guess and Calezedonia will also be open this spring.
As part of the planned diversification, the following food and beverage retailers will be added to the existing offer: Hawaiian Poke Bowl, Asie A Tik, Loola, Lloyd Café Eatery, and Australian Homemade Ice Cream.
And finally, the Play Leisure center will set up across 4,000m sq m. This space will offer around ten different leisure activities designed for both children and adults. Opening is planned for the end of 2022.
