Ground Breaking Ceremony begins new phase for Barreiro Retail Planet
Milligan is delighted to announce work has now begun on the construction of Portugal’s first retail planet, Barreiro Retail Planet.
Barreiro Retail Planet, created by Milligan, is an innovative retail concept combining the formats of both a retail park and a shopping centre. It will consist of over 40 speciality stores and restaurants, 13 retail park outlets and 1,750 car park spaces totalling a gross lettable area of 35,000 sqm, creating over 1,300 new jobs.
The scheme is already 70% let, with the four large anchor stores comprising a 11,000 sqm hypermarket, a Decathlon store occupying 4,000 sqm, DIY brand, Aki, with 3,578 sqm and the Portuguese consumer electronics brand, Radio Popular with 2,200 sqm. All of whom were in attendance at the ground breaking ceremony.
Barreiro Retail Planet is in a highly accessible and prominent location, 30km south of Lisbon and benefits from a strong catchment. 700,000 people live within 30 minutes drive of the scheme. The site is along the A2 accessible through N10 and located next to Fertagus, Coina train station and will have access to an even wider catchment once the work that has started on the new IC32 ring road, South of Lisbon, has been completed, scheduled for completion in 2011.
Following the joint venture agreement with Eiffage for the financing and construction of the project, the scheme is now on target for launch in November 2010.
Eiffage, the 8th largest European construction company who already have a presence in Portugal, along with Milligan, will jointly develop the project until its opening. Eiffage will be responsible for the management of the project including the construction, while Milligan will be responsible for all the Leasing and Marketing.
Carlos Humberto, Mayor of Barreiro says “Barreiro Retail Planet is an important addition to the future development of the region, signifying increased economic activity and employment growth generating up to 1300 new jobs in the area”.
Consumer research, commissioned by Milligan, showed a very positive response to the scheme and its tenant mix, with respondents appreciating that they will no longer have to drive to different places in order to find these stores.
Fraser Denton, Director General, Milligan Spain says, “We have been working very hard on setting new standards for retail parks and in getting the offer just right for our future customers. We are delighted with the response and success to date. Barreiro Retail Planet is a great opportunity for Milligan to partner with Eiffage to create a great scheme for the peninsular of Setubal.”
Jorge Rodrigues, Development Director of Eiffage Immobilier Portugal says, “Barreiro Retail Planet’s concept and offer perfectly matches what today’s customer is looking for; the best products and brands at the best prices within a quality environment.”