CrossIron Mills yesterday celebrated the opening of its new food hall. The relocation and expansion of the previous food court provides an excellent opportunity to expand the retail space in high-traffic areas of the shopping centre.
The new and improved food hall now offers 1,400 seats and 24 restaurants, including new offerings from Chachi’s, Big Smoke Burger and Popbar.
“We are capitalizing on the opportunity to redevelop and expand CrossIron Mills to welcome additional world-class premium fashion outlet brands to one of Western Canada’s most dynamic shopping centres,” said John Scott, Senior Vice President, Development, Ivanhoé Cambridge “We are constantly looking for ways to optimize our tenant mix in order to provide the best shopping experience to our loyal customers.”
The food hall also features a new entrance located on the northern side of the property. This access features a 40-foot-high (12-metre) glass vestibule, a curved metal roof, and a glass curtain wall with metal columns and masonry accents. Its strategic location and the food hall’s numerous skylights improve brightness as well as enhance the overall shopping experience at the centre.
As part of CrossIron Mills’ commitment to sustainable development, the food hall now includes a larger green room and improved recycling amenities. A bigger nursing room, as well as two large family rooms, are adjacent to the modern food hall washrooms.
Relocation of the food court will allow for Phase 2 of the $60-million redevelopment project, announced in 2014, to move ahead. This in turn will create an additional 46,000 ft2 (4,274 m2) of retail space in a bustling area of the shopping centre, upon completion in spring 2017, and will further strengthen the centre’s leadership position in the region.
A 12,000 ft2 (1,115 m2) Shoppers Drug Mart with a beauty boutique is set to open its doors this month and will be adjacent to the food hall. As previously announced, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, which is slated to open in September of 2016, will occupy 30,000 ft2 (2,787 m2).
CrossIron Mills will seek LEED® certification for the revitalized and new areas of the shopping centre.