Groupe IDEC INVEST unveiled its first outlet development Viaduc Village in the South of France.
The scheme benefits from a prime location on the A75 linking Paris to Barcelona, near the Millau Viaduct. It enjoys a catchment area of 1.5 million people, which currently has a weak retail offer. Added to this are 15 million tourists who visit the neighbouring region of Languedoc Roussillon annually. Designed by Sir Norman Foster, the Millau Viaduct is the highest bridge in the world and the third most visited monument in France itself attracting 9 million people each year.
The first phase of development, which is due to open summer 2017, will offer 45 premium brand stores over 7,500 m2 GLA (80,700 sqft) including two restaurants showcasing the region’s rich gastronomy. Construction will begin in January 2017.
The second phase, which will include between forty and fifty additional stores will double the size of the project – up to 15,000 m2 GLA (161,500 sqft), is expected to open in 2019.
Viaduc Village will offer its customers a selection of regional and international high-end products, reflecting the strength of the location, the architecture and the rich cultural heritage of the region. It will target shoppers from the towns of Montpellier, Béziers and Narbonne in the South and Clermont-Ferrand in the North. With this highly strategic location, Viaduc Village is expected to attract between 1.2 and 2.5 million visitors in the first five years.
Viaduc Village is set in an exceptional environment in The Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2011. The architecture of the new project will respect its environment, and special consideration has been given to the building materials, ensuring the delivery of a modern and sustainable project.
