Montreal-based Carbonleo announced Thursday that it has taken over operations of the Quartier DIX30 centre in Brossard near Montreal. The landlord will handle property management and leasing as well as the redevelopment of the centre that will include new residential. A sustainability focus will also see the centre become more pedestrian-friendly as part of the changes that will be made over the next several years.
Quartier DIX30 is the second-largest retail centre in Canada in terms of size, and is considered to be Canada’s first lifestyle centre. The multi-building complex spans nearly 2.8 million square feet with retail that includes a village-like component and big-box retailers. The first phase of Quartier DIX30 opened in 2006 with a third phase being completed in 2009.
Of the 316 tenants at Quartier DIX30, 205 are retailers, 65 are restaurants and 46 are offices. The complex spans more than 200 acres which means there’s room for site intensification.
Major anchors include Walmart, Canadian Tire, Cineplex and Rona. Quartier DIX30 also offers customers a wide range of brands including Apple, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Lululemon, and Pottery Barn (only location in Quebec).
Nicholas Desourdy, EVP of Carbonleo, said that the landlord is “absolutely thrilled” to be taking over the largest lifestyle centre in Canada. With that, plans are in place to make some changes to the centre that includes the addition of residential buildings as well as elements of sustainability that include the use of transit which will be more readily available after the completion of a new light rail transit line near Quartier DIX30. A redesign of some retail elements will create a more pedestrian-oriented development that will encourage active mobility.
Desourdy explained that after 15 years of operations, Quartier DIX30 is ready for its “next phase of evolution, adapted to today’s reality”.
“We aim to continue shaping the success of the property, together with the current tenants. In addition to constantly improving the customer experience, we want to make Quartier DIX30 the true heart of the South Shore of Montreal and make it a Pedestrian Oriented Development in collaboration with the City of Brossard,” he said. “Soon to be just a stone’s throw from the new REM station, Quartier DIX30 will bring together everything customers need within a few minutes’ walking distance!”
Increased sales to retail tenants will be one of the goals as Carbonleo executes its strategy with Quartier DIX30 — already the centre is seeing stronger sales than before the pandemic with April 2022 sales being up 11% over 2019 according to Desourdy.
In terms of housing, about 2,000 units are planned over the next five to ten years. More details will be released on the overall project as Carbonleo works with the municipality on the redevelopment.
Desourdy explained that Carbonleo is considered to be a leader in centre management by executing to institutional standards at a level that allows it to have pension funds as partners. Carbonleo is also focusing on sustainability as well as a B Corp Certification.
In addition to Quartier DIX30, Carbonleo is also developing the massive Royalmount project on Montreal Island that will include a retail shopping centre, offices, hotels and thousands of units of residential. The company also developed and owns the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Montreal which is connected to Holt Renfrew Ogilvy.
Interesting, why did Oxford Properties decide to give up management duties? Does Oxford still own the property?