Garden City Shopping Centre completes facelift

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 09/04/2018 (2972 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After almost a year and a half of major renovations, Garden City Shopping Centre is getting ready to debut a brand new look for spring. 

The local landmark has been a hub for the community since being built in 1970 and even though much has changed since then, the mall is still growing. 

The shiny new renovations, which began in November 2016, have already started to make a big impact, says Olga Kort, marketing coordinator with mall management company RioCan. 

“The redesign was focused on transforming the mall into a fresh, modern and airy space so shoppers would feel more comfortable,” Kort said. Using imported Italian tile and rich wood elements, Quebec-based Ruscio Studios reimagined the entire mall and crafted the master renovation plan. RioCan then turned to the local artists and companies, who were tasked with making the grand designs a reality. 

Winnipeg’s own HutK, a modern designer based in the Exchange District, crafted the large bamboo orbs hanging in all the skylights and centre court. 

Local artist Charlie Johnston hand-painted intricate geometric designs throughout the ceilings and interior. 

Rebecca Hyatt, the property manager for Garden City, said no detail was overlooked in the planning phase. 

“Modern shoppers are looking for a mix of high-end interior design and the cutting-edge technology to make their retail experience unique,” she said.

Shoppers are already enjoying new amenities such as modern seating lounges, complimentary cellphone charging stations, and the brand new food court. 

Kort says the mall’s new look and fun events are already paying off, and that mall traffic has increased by an impressive 20 per cent. Feedback has been resoundingly positive. 

“Everyone walks in and cannot believe the transformation of the space. The entire mall feels much brighter and shoppers are already noticing a change in the selection of stores.” Hyatt said. 

While she wouldn’t mention specific retailers Hyatt said management is excited to add lots of new stores, some of which will be new to the Winnipeg market. 

“Suddenly Garden City is on the corporate radar. With such a prime location convenient for both local suburban shoppers and residents living north of the city, our mall is poised to see a lot of changes coming up,” she said. 

Kort and Hyatt both say the upcoming redevelopment of the space formerly occupied by Sears Canada will launch the next phase of changes at the mall. 

“A very big and exciting announcement will be coming in early summer, you will have to stay tuned,” Hyatt said.

Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com 

Daniel Guenther

Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com

   Read full biography