The International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) has presented Multi’s Forum Lviv in Ukraine with a Commendation in the category New Developments (medium & large). Forum Lviv, opened in 2015, is Multi’s first shopping centre in Ukraine. The centre is located in the historic inner city of Lviv and is one of the most prestigious retail projects in the country. In addition to its award for Forum Lviv, Multi was also among the nominees for two more awards for shopping centres in the ICSC awards 2017: Almada Forum in Portugal in the category Established Shopping Centres and Gelderlandplein in the Netherlands in the category Refurbishments and/or Expansions. Gelderlandplein also won a Commendation. Multi was co-developer for this refurbishment, together with the owner of the shopping centre the Kroonenberg Groep.
ICSC jury: ‘’Forum Lviv is perfectly embedded within the urban fabric. Located on a former brownfield location close to the city centre it is the engine now for urban regeneration in the wider area. This is supported by the improvement of public space in connection to Forum which also ensures strong connections of the shopping centre to the existing city. Forum Lviv brings a wide variety of fashion retail chains; international brands that are new to Ukraine as well as domestic formats. Forum was realized under very difficult political and economic circumstances in the Ukraine. It nevertheless has been a great success since the day it opened, proving that it is based on sound market fundamentals.’’
Gawein Minks, development director Multi Poland said: ‘’Having a track record of over 35 years across nearly 20 countries, Multi can proudly count on having a great deal of experience. However, the challenges in Ukraine were so extraordinary that we, as a team, stretched ourselves to the maximum. We are grateful for the experience, but even more so for what we have been able to accomplish for the city. Forum Lviv helped create over 800 permanent jobs, plus we have introduced BREEAM to Ukraine and enhanced the awareness of sustainability throughout the whole development chain. A word of thanks goes to EBRD and Unicredit, as well as to our minority partners Bud House Group and Galereja Centre.”
