Ottawa Construction News staff writer
Work has started on the $360 million revitalization and expansion of Ottawa’s 30-year-old Rideau Centre.
“The significant changes underway will elevate the shopping experience for customers and reaffirm Rideau Centre’s position as Ottawa’s leading shopping centre,” says Sal Iacono, Cadillac Fairview Ltd.’s senior vice-president, development and portfolio management. “The new Rideau Centre will reflect Cadillac Fairview’s commitment to creating exciting retail environments that deliver best-in-class retailers and high quality dining opportunities.”
Cadillac Fairview had announced the project in September 2013. Work includes an interior renovation of the centre’s common areas including new quartz flooring, new ceilings and improved lighting, railing replacement with glass guardrails, entrance renovations and washroom upgrades. Two direct light rail access points will also be installed.
The renovation project team includes interior designer GH+A Design, project architect Groupe Archifin Inc. and construction manager C.A.L. Construction.
The four-level expansion project, scheduled for opening in Aug. 2016, will add 230,000 sq. ft. of leasable area and a three-level underground parking garage. The Ogilvy Building heritage façade on Rideau St. will also be refurbished.
The expansion team includes interior designer GH+A Design, design architect BBB Architects, project architect: B+H Architects, heritage architect Barry Padolsky Associates Inc., Architects and construction manager PCL.
Also part of the project, the Rideau Centre’s new $20 million, 35,000 sq. ft. Dining Hall is expected to open this month. The new, higher end eating area will seat 850 people, feature 16 premium-branded eating establishments and introduce reusable dinnerware, glassware and metal cutlery for a more environmentally friendly approach to traditional fast food. The move demonstrates Rideau Centre’s continuing commitment to sustainability best practices.
Three full-service restaurants are also slated to open in the centre through 2016.
