Ivanhoé Cambridge, the owners of Guildford Mall is celebrating the completion of phase two of an extensive $280-million expansion and redevelopment project at Guildford Town Centre, making the shopping centre the largest regional shopping destination south of the Fraser River.
Highlights of the expansion:
- More than 70 additional stores (see list of 11 biggest stores)
- A new 1,034-seat food court
- New spacious washrooms, with nursing and family rooms
- Brand-new grand entrance
- Sleek new interior, complete with new seating areas and a new centre court with a glass-enclosed elevator and water feature
- A Walmart Supercentre (opened in 2011)
Phase three of the major redevelopment will see additional new retailers and is scheduled for completion in fall of 2014. The project has contributed to the local economy by creating 4,000 jobs during the construction period and 750 new permanent retails jobs upon completion.
A nearly 930-m2 (10,000 ft2) Living Wall on the exterior of the shopping centre has also been inaugurated. The Living Wall extends over one of Surrey’s major commuting streets and stands alone as the largest of its kind in North America featuring more than 120 different species of plants. The indoor and outdoor Living Walls also contribute a number of environmental benefits such as improving the urban heat island effect, act as carbon sinks and improving overall energy efficiency.
The shopping centre will be hosting a Grand Opening Celebration starting at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, kicking off a long weekend of live entertainment and special giveaways. Following the celebration, doors to the expansion will open at 10:00 a.m.
In celebration of the Grand Opening, Guildford Town Centre is holding a $52,000 “Yours for a Year” Giveaway from August 28 to September 2, 2013. One lucky guest will receive $1,000 per week for one year in gift cards that can be used throughout the shopping centre. The Grand Opening will also mark the launch of the GTC Shopper Reward program that will run from August 28 – December 31, 2013. Guests are encouraged to engage with the shopping centre online through Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare and Facebook for reward points that can be redeemed for gift cards, prizes and special VIP experiences.
To view time-lapse video of the new Living Wall:
