Innovative Royalmount Development Breaks Ground in Montreal

Date:

Share post:

The innovative Royalmount mixed-used development in the Town of Mount Royal in Montreal broke ground this week, with an anticipated completion date of August 2022. The world-class lifestyle and shopping hub will feature a mix of first-to-market retailers, mass market stores, luxury brand stores, fitness, food and beverage, entertainment options, hotels, office buildings, and now a substantial residential component is also in the planning stages. Royalmount is being positioned as Montreal’s new ‘Midtown’ with a goal of becoming a gathering place for the region. 

Developers of the project, Carbonleo and L Catterton Real Estate, have been clearing and preparing the site for months at the southwest corner of Décarie Expressway and Highway 40. Remarkably, 88% of materials from the demolitions, including concrete, wood, glass, steel, copper and aluminum, have been recuperated on site and are being recycled.

Developer Carbonleo has moved its head office onto the site as development is now in the construction phase. An on-site office building also houses third party professionals, engineers, architects and contractors who are working on the massive project. A 6,000 square foot showroom showcasing the project, also on site, is open for meetings and special events.

RENDERING: CARBONLEO
RENDERING: ROYALMOUNT

Royalmount is transforming a former industrial district into a cultural and commercial hub of mixed-used development in about 3.6 million square feet of retail, hotel, hospitality and office space. The developers control over 74 acres of land at the site and the project will create about 35,000 jobs during its construction, and 15,000 new jobs when in operation. The retail component will consist of about 1.4-million square feet of leasable space in an enclosed mall environment.

The privately-funded Royalmount project will become a state-of-the-art lifestyle hub for the region as well as an ever-increasing number of visitors to the area. The project is being designed by Benoy, which has been involved in some significant international projects

Located in the centre of the Island of Montreal, Royalmount is strategically proximate to some of the region’s wealthiest neighbourhoods. Affluent areas such as the town of Mount Royal, Hampstead and Westmount surround the site. The population density and spending power in the area has retailers interested in Royalmount, according to the developers.

CLICK FOR INTERACTIVE MAP

Royalmount will be connected to the Montreal Metro rapid transit system at de la Savane station. About 1.2-million people take the metro in the Montreal area daily, and no other super-regional malls in the area are connected to a Metro station. The location is also accessible by roadway — about 360,000 cars pass through the adjacent interchange daily, making it one of the busiest on the continent

Michael Stroll, Carbonleo’s Senior Director, Retail Leasing said, “We have signed deals in place with both anchor and CRU tenants in categories ranging from fashion to food & beverage, to entertainment to wellness. Retailers understand and endorse our vision, recognize the market opportunity, and are building flagship format stores at Royalmount. We have attracted many unique and foreign global brands and anticipate that 30% of the GLA will house first-to-market retailers that currently do not have a presence in the city. Montreal will get the world-class shopping destination that it deserves.”

Royalmount will feature a ‘luxury wing’ housing some of the world’s biggest brands. Negotiations are ongoing for recognizable names, some that have already committed to opening in the project. Montreal currently lacks the expansive luxury retail offerings seen in cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Royalmount is aiming to become the standalone luxury node for the greater Montreal region.

RENDERING: CARBONLEO
RENDERING: ROYALMOUNT
RENDERING: L CATTERTON REAL ESTATE

In keeping with trends being seen in leading shopping centres globally, Royalmount will also feature a roster of full-sized restaurants. In total, over 100 food and beverage options will be part of the project, including an elevated food court, a food hall, sit-down restaurants, cafes and bars.

Between five and seven hotels are planned for the site. Combined, they could offer as many as 1,500 hotel rooms.

Two existing office buildings will be kept on-site with over 240,000 square feet of space. An additional 250,000 square feet of office space is planned, and the development could eventually see as much as 1.5-million square feet of office space, depending on demand.

RENDERING: CARBONLEO

The developers are also involved in the approval process to add as many as 6,000 residential units to the Royalmount site. That could result in about 15,000 people living at Royalmount and with its connection to the city’s rapid transit network, commuters could head to downtown Montreal without having to leave the indoors. Carbonleo says that it will launch consulting-ideation initiatives as the project’s residential design progresses. The Montreal region is the sixth fastest-growing metropolitan region in North America and given development on the island of Montreal, Royalmount’s housing will meet a need. 

Phase One of the project, which currently does not include residential, will go forward without any delay and is otherwise unaffected by the residential rezoning process, according to Carbonleo.

In June of 2018, it was announced that L Catterton group, the private equity firm linked with French luxury conglomerate LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) and Groupe Arnault, had partnered with Carbonleo on the project. Royalmount is L Catterton’s third North American development project, following its investment in Miami’s luxury retail complex, Miami Design District as well as a significant investment in The Amazing Brentwood centre in suburban VancouverL Catterton is also involved in a number of luxury projects in Asia, including the magnificent Ginza SIX luxury retail complex in central Tokyo. L Catterton is noted as being the world’s largest consumer-focused private equity fund, with more than US $15 billion in capital.

RENDERING: CARBONLEO

Carbonleo is a private Quebec-based property development and management company with a track record of developing successful next generation mixed-use developments. The company employs about 70 people and was founded in 2012. It has developed projects including Quartier DIX30, Royalmount, as well as the recently opened Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences in downtown Montreal that are connected to the soon-to-be-completed Holt Renfrew Ogilvy luxury retail complex.

According to Retail Council of Canada’s most recent Canadian Shopping Centre Study, top centres are becoming community gathering places and landlords are taking notice. Rather than operating traditional fashion malls surrounded by expansive parking facilities, new urban mall developments feature site intensification as well as mixed uses. Landlords are adding an expanded assortment of food-and-beverage options in order to attract consumers while also increasing on-site dwell-time. Entertainment centres are being added to properties to create an extra attraction in an effort to draw in visitors. A substantial on-site residential population will create further human connection, as well as a sense of community and an overall ecosystem health, according to Carbonleo.

Royalmount’s developers appear to have identified all of these trends and are moving forward with what is expected to be a world-class mixed-use development that will become an example of best-practices globally. We’ll continue to report on the project as construction progresses and new tenants are announced.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From Retail Insider

Rising Theft in North American Retail: Self-Checkouts Partly to Blame as Retailers Adjust Amid Financial Pressures [Interview]

The surge in theft and shoplifting is prompting retailers to implement security measures and reconsider the use of self-checkout systems, impacting both their bottom lines and the shopping experience for customers.

TNT – THE NEW TREND Unveils Grand Plans for Flagship Store in Yorkville Village in Toronto [Exclusive Interview]

Arie Assaraf, founder of TNT, said that the flagship's opening coincide's with the retailer's 30th-anniversary. Yorkville Village's landlord thinks TNT is the best retailer of its kind in the country.

From Workers’ Rights to Automation: How a $20 Minimum Wage is Reshaping Fast Food [Op-Ed]

Sylvain Charlebois discusses California's decision to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour, which has ignited a debate about the potential consequences including increased automation and the overall transformation of the fast-food industry.

Consumer Loyalty Trends in Canada: The Crucial Role of Personalization in a Changing Economy [Video Interview]

A critical statistic reveals that 33% of consumers abandon brands that lack personalization, emphasizing the growing importance of tailoring experiences and offers to meet individual customer expectations in today's competitive market.

Ralph Lauren Expands in Canada with 1st Full-Price Luxury Store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre [Photos]

The US-based brand has opened a concept store featuring a mix of luxury and Polo products, and is expected to open more in Canada after launching an e-commerce site next month. 

Bayshore Shopping Centre in Ottawa Dominating Market and Adding Tenants Amid Sales Growth [Interview]

The landlord completed 77 leasing transactions totalling over 431,000 square feet in the past year, with more retailers and a redevelopment in the works.

Elevating Canadian Retail: How JLL’s Expertise Reshapes Property Management [Interviews]

Landlords are increasingly turning to JLL for pioneering property management solutions that prioritize both enhanced customer experiences and sustainability.

Mandy’s to Open Gourmet Salad Restaurant in Toronto’s Yorkville as Chain Expands [Exclusive Interview/Renderings]

The popular Montreal-based foodservice concept is growing its presence in Toronto with multiple locations, including one behind a soon-to-open Saint Laurent flagship store.

Gen Z’s Digital Upbringing Meets a Passion for Tangible Retail and Authentic Brands [Interview]

A new report on Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, provides insight into consumer behaviours as well as a look into the upcoming Generation Alpha.

Interview with Giant Tiger’s New CEO Gino DiGioacchino on the Future of the Iconic Canadian Retailer [Interview]

DiGioacchino speaks to Retail Insider after being appointed as the new President and CEO of Giant Tiger, and discusses the future of the business and importance of maintaining strong connections with local communities.

Purdys Chocolatier Expands Footprint with Pop-Up Stores [Interview]

The strategy involves providing customers with a taste of Purdys' renowned chocolates in areas where the brand hasn't had a presence before.

Colliers Report Emphasizes the Retail Advantage of Bridging the Digital-Physical Divide [Interview]

A recent report by Colliers Real Estate Management Services reveals that retailers who effectively blend their online and physical store operations are 35% more likely to achieve profitability, with the study emphasizes the importance of omnichannel strategies, convenience, property maintenance, and retailer-driven ESG initiatives.

Preview of ICSC@CANADA Conference 2023: Retail, Technology, and Networking Opportunities in Toronto [Interview]

Craig and Kyle Tomlin, Director of Events in Canada for ICSC, discuss the highly anticipated ICSC@CANADA 2023 conference, set to take place from October 2nd to 4th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Hall in downtown Toronto.

Canadian Grocers Take a Page from Carrefour’s Playbook to Tackle ‘Shrinkflation [Op-Ed]

French supermarket chain Carrefour has labeled products impacted by reduced size, and similar measures may be adopted in Canada to enhance transparency in food pricing, says Sylvain Charlebois.

Jeweller Mejuri Debuts Personalized App and Innovative Membership Program; Plans Expansion with 5 New Stores [Co-Founder Interview]

The popular brand's personalized mobile app and membership program aim to enhance customer engagement and personalization, as Mejuri enters major markets with stores.

Fast-Casual Restaurant Concept MightyBird Opening 1st Location in Toronto in a Partnership [Interviews]

The new concept at Union Station will be the first of many in a partnership between Eat Up Canada and Open Concept Hospitality.

KIT + ACE Launches Store Expansion in Canada Under New Ownership [Interview]

The Vancouver-based retailer will open two locations this fall in Toronto and Calgary, with plans for a substantial expansion into 2024 says CEO David Lui.

Casual Steakhouse Chain MR MIKES Expanding Further in Canada [Interview]

With plans for continued expansion into Western Canada and Ontario, the restaurant chain is evolving its concept and targeting smaller markets to establish itself as a hub for local communities.

Canadian Retail Sales: A Slight Recovery Amidst Economic Challenges [J.C. Williams Group Analysis]

The analysis explores the noteworthy trends in the health and wellness sector, the resilience of certain retail categories, and the impending holiday season's strategic considerations for retailers.

Bloor Street Retail Transformation: Luxury Brands, Renovations, and New Openings in Toronto [Podcast]

Craig and Lee take a deep dive into the dynamic changes occurring on Toronto's Bloor Street West, noting the street's resurgence as a thriving hub for luxury shopping in the city.

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Rising Theft in North American Retail: Self-Checkouts Partly to Blame as Retailers Adjust Amid Financial Pressures [Interview]

The surge in theft and shoplifting is prompting retailers to implement security measures and reconsider the use of self-checkout systems, impacting both their bottom lines and the shopping experience for customers.

TNT – THE NEW TREND Unveils Grand Plans for Flagship Store in Yorkville Village in Toronto [Exclusive Interview]

Arie Assaraf, founder of TNT, said that the flagship's opening coincide's with the retailer's 30th-anniversary. Yorkville Village's landlord thinks TNT is the best retailer of its kind in the country.

From Workers’ Rights to Automation: How a $20 Minimum Wage is Reshaping Fast Food [Op-Ed]

Sylvain Charlebois discusses California's decision to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour, which has ignited a debate about the potential consequences including increased automation and the overall transformation of the fast-food industry.

Consumer Loyalty Trends in Canada: The Crucial Role of Personalization in a Changing Economy [Video Interview]

A critical statistic reveals that 33% of consumers abandon brands that lack personalization, emphasizing the growing importance of tailoring experiences and offers to meet individual customer expectations in today's competitive market.

Ralph Lauren Expands in Canada with 1st Full-Price Luxury Store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre [Photos]

The US-based brand has opened a concept store featuring a mix of luxury and Polo products, and is expected to open more in Canada after launching an e-commerce site next month. 

Bayshore Shopping Centre in Ottawa Dominating Market and Adding Tenants Amid Sales Growth [Interview]

The landlord completed 77 leasing transactions totalling over 431,000 square feet in the past year, with more retailers and a redevelopment in the works.

Elevating Canadian Retail: How JLL’s Expertise Reshapes Property Management [Interviews]

Landlords are increasingly turning to JLL for pioneering property management solutions that prioritize both enhanced customer experiences and sustainability.

Mandy’s to Open Gourmet Salad Restaurant in Toronto’s Yorkville as Chain Expands [Exclusive Interview/Renderings]

The popular Montreal-based foodservice concept is growing its presence in Toronto with multiple locations, including one behind a soon-to-open Saint Laurent flagship store.

Gen Z’s Digital Upbringing Meets a Passion for Tangible Retail and Authentic Brands [Interview]

A new report on Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, provides insight into consumer behaviours as well as a look into the upcoming Generation Alpha.

Interview with Giant Tiger’s New CEO Gino DiGioacchino on the Future of the Iconic Canadian Retailer [Interview]

DiGioacchino speaks to Retail Insider after being appointed as the new President and CEO of Giant Tiger, and discusses the future of the business and importance of maintaining strong connections with local communities.

Purdys Chocolatier Expands Footprint with Pop-Up Stores [Interview]

The strategy involves providing customers with a taste of Purdys' renowned chocolates in areas where the brand hasn't had a presence before.

Colliers Report Emphasizes the Retail Advantage of Bridging the Digital-Physical Divide [Interview]

A recent report by Colliers Real Estate Management Services reveals that retailers who effectively blend their online and physical store operations are 35% more likely to achieve profitability, with the study emphasizes the importance of omnichannel strategies, convenience, property maintenance, and retailer-driven ESG initiatives.

Preview of ICSC@CANADA Conference 2023: Retail, Technology, and Networking Opportunities in Toronto [Interview]

Craig and Kyle Tomlin, Director of Events in Canada for ICSC, discuss the highly anticipated ICSC@CANADA 2023 conference, set to take place from October 2nd to 4th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Hall in downtown Toronto.

Canadian Grocers Take a Page from Carrefour’s Playbook to Tackle ‘Shrinkflation [Op-Ed]

French supermarket chain Carrefour has labeled products impacted by reduced size, and similar measures may be adopted in Canada to enhance transparency in food pricing, says Sylvain Charlebois.

Jeweller Mejuri Debuts Personalized App and Innovative Membership Program; Plans Expansion with 5 New Stores [Co-Founder Interview]

The popular brand's personalized mobile app and membership program aim to enhance customer engagement and personalization, as Mejuri enters major markets with stores.

Fast-Casual Restaurant Concept MightyBird Opening 1st Location in Toronto in a Partnership [Interviews]

The new concept at Union Station will be the first of many in a partnership between Eat Up Canada and Open Concept Hospitality.

KIT + ACE Launches Store Expansion in Canada Under New Ownership [Interview]

The Vancouver-based retailer will open two locations this fall in Toronto and Calgary, with plans for a substantial expansion into 2024 says CEO David Lui.

Casual Steakhouse Chain MR MIKES Expanding Further in Canada [Interview]

With plans for continued expansion into Western Canada and Ontario, the restaurant chain is evolving its concept and targeting smaller markets to establish itself as a hub for local communities.

Canadian Retail Sales: A Slight Recovery Amidst Economic Challenges [J.C. Williams Group Analysis]

The analysis explores the noteworthy trends in the health and wellness sector, the resilience of certain retail categories, and the impending holiday season's strategic considerations for retailers.

Bloor Street Retail Transformation: Luxury Brands, Renovations, and New Openings in Toronto [Podcast]

Craig and Lee take a deep dive into the dynamic changes occurring on Toronto's Bloor Street West, noting the street's resurgence as a thriving hub for luxury shopping in the city.