Les Grands Prés, Mons

Name : Les Grands Prés, Mons
Type of project : Shopping centre
Status : Completed project
Address : Place des Grands Prés, 1 - 7000 Mons Belgium
Website : http://www.lesgrandspres.be/

Architect(s) :
2003 : Groupe ISIS / Atelier d'Art Urbain
2016 : DDS & Partners
Owner : Union Investment Real Estate AG
Surface : 101.000 m²
Shops : 110
Parking spaces : 4.200 free park spaces
Visitors per year : 8.000.000
Jobs : 1.500

Contact

Project description

From the meadows…

Mons is a town of around 95,000 inhabitants in the Walloon Region. Twenty years ago, the site where the shopping center now stands was nothing but an empty meadow next to the highway. Hence its name, Les Grands Prés, which literally means ‘large meadows’. Located on the edge of the historical center of Mons and near all major transport axes, the initial plan was to build a university campus. Gradually, however, the idea of extending the city center began to take shape.

… to a great success

Les Grands Prés opened in 2003. With over 8 million visitors a year, it is without any doubt a great success.

Belief.

At first, however, very few people were convinced of the potential of the project. Mons and its surroundings were severely hit by the crisis. Thanks to the dedication, trust and perseverance of Patric Huon, born and raised in the area, the shopping center and retail park saw the light of day, and gave an important boost to the region.

100% leased.

When the shopping center initially opened in 2003, 100% of the retail units were let. This was again the case when the extension opened to the public in 2016.
“A real achievement”, says Patric Huon. “It reflects the retailers’ enthusiasm for Les Grands Prés and shows the outstanding quality of the shopping center”.
The upgrading and expansion of Les Grands Prés in 2016 showed the continued interest of retailers. The retail area of ‘Les Grands Prés’ was more than doubled, from 45.000 to over 100.000 sqm. The number of retail units (including restaurants) increased from 75 to 110 units. Les Grands Prés is the first shopping center in Belgium with a connection to IKEA. IKEA customers have a direct access to the shopping mall and vice versa.