McArthurGlen breaks ground on new Designer Outlet in Provence, France

McArthurGlen, Europe’s leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets, today officially marked the start of building work on its third centre in France with a ground-breaking ceremony in Miramas. Due to open in 2017, McArthurGlen Provence will be the South of France’s only designer outlet.

The 120 million euro project will bring some of the world’s most famous luxury, premium and lifestyle brands to the Bouches-du-Rhône region, offering shoppers year-round discounts in a unique high-quality shopping environment. The centre will feature 120 stores plus eight cafes and restaurants in a gross leasable area of 25,000 sq m. 

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The site of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Provence is in a prime location near the junctions of the A7, A8 and A54 which link Marseilles with Nice, Lyon, Avignon and Nîmes. It is a 45 minute drive from Aix-en-Provence and within walking distance of a TGV high speed train. With the Provence-Côtes d’Azur region attracting France’s highest number of tourist visits after Paris, the outlet will serve both international visitors and local customers.

The new centre’s design has been created by local company Marseille Architecture Partners (MAP) who have drawn inspiration from the rich Provençal heritage of the local area to create a stunning village-style outlet that is in harmony with its surroundings.

Alongside the great shopping on offer, McArthurGlen Provence will feature a new public park of 1.6 hectares and walkways shaded by centuries-old plane trees. Its main entrance will be designed and created by the world renowned botanist and inventor of vertical gardens Patrick Blanc. Further enhancing the experience will be a playground for children, easy access for pedestrians and cyclists, a bicycle lot and 1,600 parking spaces.

Mike Natas, McArthurGlen’s Deputy Managing Director said: “We are excited to be starting work on this major investment to create the first and only designer outlet in the south of France. McArthurGlen Provence will make a very positive contribution to the region –  creating 600 jobs, providing a unique new retail destination for local shoppers and attracting tourists from around the world.”

The centre will be built to the highest standards of energy efficiency and to strict BREEAM certifications. A system of solar panels over an area of nearly 2,000 sq m will provide energy and the centre’s lighting which will be provided primarily by LEDs.

Frédéric Vigouroux, Mayor of Miramas said: “The town of Miramas and McArthurGlen have been collaborating on this project for five years with the aim of creating a destination of outstanding architectural value and high environmental standards.  Set in a majestic site, the project will bring considerable economic, social and tourism benefits to Provence and our city and will generate more than 2.5 million visitors per year.  A very large number of these visitors will be tourists.

“This is a great opportunity to increase the appeal and image of our area,” he continued. “Our aim was to benefit the region by integrating McArthurGlen Provence into the economic and tourism infrastructure, engaging with local partners including the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Pays d'Arles and Bouches-du-Rhône tourist boards on employment and training.”

For development enquiries, please contact;

Mike Natas, Deputy Managing Director, Development
+ 44 (0) 20 7535 2572
m.natas@mcarthurglen.com

For leasing enquiries, please contact;

Adrian Nelson, Group Leasing & CRM Director
+ 44 (0) 20 7535 2356
a.nelson@mcarthurglen.com