ICSC European Shopping Center Awards announced

The 111,690 m² Manufaktura shopping center in Lodz, Poland (developed by Apsys) took home the 2008 ICSC European Award for the best new development of very large centers. Winners of all the 2008 ICSC European Shopping Center Awards were announced on 17 April at the 2008 ICSC European Conference in Amsterdam. Every year since 1975, ICSC has recognized excellence in new and refurbished shopping centers throughout Europe with the presentation of these prestigious and highly sought after awards. Awards were presented in the categories of New Developments and Extensions/Refurbishments, along with special distinctions for ReStore and ReSource.

The Award for best new small center was won by Entre Deux, in Maastricht, Netherlands (Developer: Multi Development BV and 3W Vastgoed; 12,000 m² GLA). For years, the Entre Deux area was a real problem for Maastricht. Now, an entirely new inner-city shopping development has transformed what was once an eyesore into an asset, sensitively integrated into the delicate centre of this old and beautiful city. Entre Deux is an uncompromising choice for quality where the old and the new come together. It includes six historical buildings and a former Dominican church. It offers retail on three levels plus dwellings and parking.

The Award for best new medium sized center was won by Princesshay, in Exeter, United Kingdom (Developer: Land Securities; 37,209 m² GLA). Princesshay is a retail-led, mixed-use development within the historic city walls of Exeter. The development is focused around new civic squares linked by open streets which promote permeability and connectivity with the existing urban grain. The development comprises of 65 new retail units, a department store, 5 major stores, new restaurants and 123 residential apartments. The appointment of three different architects and a landscape architect has resulted in a series of different building blocks, each of the highest quality design and finish, brought together by exemplar public realm and public art.

The jury could not make up their minds between two exemplary choices when it came to the Award for best new large center. The Award was thus presented to two centers. The first winner was the Galeria Krakowska, in Krakow, Poland (Developer: ECE Projektmanagement Polska Sp. z.o.o.; 55,470 m² GLA + 4,955 m² offices). Galeria Krakowska sets new standards in architecture in Poland. The centre has two roof-covered shopping malls and three plazas that represent themes that are characteristic of Krakow. The Galeria Krakowska with its more than 270 specialty shops, cafés and restaurants on three levels offers an array of possibilities for shopping and leisure. ECE's leasing managers have developed a concept, which is especially tailored for Krakow and have gained many first-class retailers to set up business in the inner city. At Galeria Krakowska, the heart of "Nowe Miasto," customers can expect a shopping experience of the very special kind.

The second winner was the Zùote Tarasy, in Warsaw, Poland (Developer: ING Real Estate Development; 62,792.4 m² GLA). Zùote Tarasy is the mixed-use project consisting of the retail & leisure center with an 8-screen cinema (62,792 m²), two office buildings (45,000 m²) and a four-level underground car park. The design is inspired by Warsaw's historic urban parks and it blends organic architecture, urban square passages, green and water features into one organism. An undulating, one-hectare glass roof spans over the cascading terraces in the central atrium, housing shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. Located in the heart of Warsaw, next to Central Railway Station, Zùote Tarasy has revitalized the area introducing true city centre functions on the site of a former car park.

The Award for best new very large center was won by the Manufaktura, in Lodz, Poland (Developer: Apsys; 111,690 m² GLA). Manufaktura is situated on 27 hectares of the former Poznanski textile mills; 14 historical buildings classified as Polish national heritage, organized around a 35,000 m² Rynek - a typical Polish market square, in the center of Lodz. Manufaktura is Poland's second largest conurbation, offering an exceptional place for leisure, culture and shopping in the heart of the city. It is not only a shopping center, but one of the most innovative European lifestyle destinations, in an iconic and outstanding setting.

The Award for best extensions and/or refurbishments went to Stary Browar, in Poznañ, Poland (Developer: Fortis Sp. z.o.o.; 53,878 m² GLA).Stary Browar (Old Brewery) multifunctional project located in the city center, partly based on the premises of former brewery buildings. March 2007—opening of new wing of 63,000 m² with 110 additional commercial units, which doubled the Centre's capacity. 100% of commercial space was rented prior to the grand opening, actual ERV exceeded the scheme's provisions. As per national standards, the Centre boasts an excellent tenant mix. Crucial points: revival of neglected plot in the city centre with top quality design, well integrated buildings of improved accessibility for customers. Distinguishing mark: marketing by art and culture promotion. Position of the lifestyle setter.

The ReStore distinction recognizes a project amongst the finalists where the developer/local authority collaboration is judged paramount for its role in reversing inner city decline, a further recognition for a shopping centre that has already been deemed to be one of Europe's very best. This year’s winner was City Centre Almere, in Almere, Netherlands (Developer: Bouwfonds MAB Development and Blauwhoed Eurowoningen; 102,000 m² GLA). A pulsating, futuristic heart for the community that surrounds it. Rising from the ground over a number of levels, to a rooftop City Roof Garden, City Centre Almere elevates the city, its dynamic scale creating a new city centre. It connects fluidly with the neighbouring quarters... challenging convention with its innovative concept, while maximizing the entire city's shopping and leisure experience. Its carefully selected retail mix, dramatic sightlines, and landscaped terraces are the successful results of the attention given to its location and its relation to the surroundings.

Introduced in 2007, ReSource is the ICSC European jury's recognition of the most environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable shopping centre amongst the finalists. The 2008 ReSource was won by SES Spar European Shopping Centers, Austria, for their strong commitment to sustainability seen in two shopping centers... Atrio in Villach, and Q19 Einkaufsquartier Dobling in Vienna. Located on three frontiers, Atrio's "Sensa Confine-Without Borders" architectural theme adapts to the cross-border Austrian, Italian and Slovenian cultures to strike a chord of social sustainability. It saves energy with a concept that transforms most of its foundation into "energy piles" making use of energy stored in the ground. Both energy and fluids are carefully monitored. External LED lighting meets all current European regulations.   Recycling is aggressive, and the centre was subjected to a stringent environmental impact assessment before building permission was granted. Q19 crosses architectural borders by carefully melding its old and new sections, a fascinating symbiosis of historical and modern architecture that forms a coherent urban space. Translucent Teflon roofs are illuminated to create a space that opens to the sky...and saves energy. It utilizes energy efficient cooling systems, higher efficiency electrical rates to reduce daytime usage. Water and energy consumption are monitored constantly. Recycling is once again aggressive, and LED lighting of the facade is used to stunning effect. With landscaped planted roofing and green public areas, bio-diversity and community comfort make Q19 an ultimate example of environmental, social and economic sustainability.