A construction project at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport will add 84,000 square feet of additional retail space and up to 35 new luxury, premium and lifestyle brands to the centre.

Scheduled to open in spring 2019, the expansion forms part of McArthurGlen Group’s plan to develop more than 1.6 million square feet of retail space over the next three years across its 24-centre portfolio.

“In less than three years the centre has become a key retail destination in Metro Vancouver,” said Robert Thurlow, general manager of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport. “We have seen tremendous support from local communities and tourists from all over the world and we’re proud of our growing list of awards and various in-centre events and activities.”

The addition will mirror the current European design, expanding on the centre’s notable open-air village style, with luxury piazzas, cobblestone walkways and a variety of facades.

“The Designer Outlet Centre not only creates jobs and encourages tourism for our local community—it is also one of the ways we look at generating revenue outside of airport operations with the goal of keeping costs for our passengers and airlines low,” said Scott Norris, vice-president of commercial development at Vancouver Airport Authority. “This innovative business model enables us to continue building YVR as a world-class connecting hub.”

The centre will remain open during construction.