A new urban No Frills store is set to open in Calgary’s growing West Village neighbourhood, bringing a much-anticipated grocery option to the area. According to Ryan Rutherford, Vice President of Retail Leasing with Cushman & Wakefield, the store will occupy 13,000 square feet of a 24,000-square-foot retail space on the ground floor of two luxury rental towers – West Village Towers – on Ninth Avenue SW.
It will have heated underground parking.
“This No Frills is part of their new urban concept, which is being rolled out across the country,” says Rutherford. “It’s an affordable grocery option that also offers fresh products in a smaller format, which fits perfectly with the needs of the surrounding community.”
Transforming the West Village
The two existing towers, each 41 storeys, are fully occupied with 478 luxury rental units, creating a vibrant micro-community. A third tower of similar height is currently in the planning stages, with approximately 220 to 230 additional units expected to be added in the future. The entire project is being developed by the Cidex Group, further solidifying the area’s transformation into a dynamic mixed-use hub.
“The introduction of a grocery anchor like No Frills is a significant milestone for this development,” says Rutherford. “Not only does it provide a vital amenity for the roughly 1,000 residents in the two towers, but it also serves the broader West Village community and surrounding residential and office areas.”
Strategic Location
The store’s location within Calgary’s free-fare train zone adds to its accessibility, allowing shoppers to conveniently travel to and from the store without the need for personal vehicles. Additionally, heated underground parking will be available for commercial use, enhancing the shopping experience.
The absence of a grocery store on the north side of Ninth Avenue SW makes this development particularly impactful. Nearby competitors like Safeway and Co-op are located on the south side of the train tracks, highlighting the demand for a north-side option.
Additional Leasing Opportunities
While the urban No Frills takes up the western portion of the retail space, Cushman & Wakefield is actively marketing approximately 10,000 square feet of adjacent main-floor retail space. An additional 28,000 square feet of space is available on the second floor, including 6,700 square feet designated for medical and professional uses.
“Now that the grocery anchor is confirmed, we’re targeting complementary tenants,” Rutherford explains. “Potential uses include a fitness centre, childcare services, and more medical or professional tenants. This mix will round out the community’s retail offerings.”
A Bright Future for the West End
The West Village is positioned for continued growth, with high demand for rental residential units and ongoing transit-oriented developments. The new No Frills store, set to open in April or May 2025, is just one example of the investment in this evolving area. Rutherford notes that the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest already generated among brokers and retailers.
“This project highlights the importance of creating mixed-use developments that serve both residents and the surrounding neighborhoods,” says Rutherford. “We’re excited to see how this contributes to the vibrancy of the West Village.”
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