Projects
Our projects
No two projects are the same, so Rioja Estates provides a range of essential functions that can be matched to the specific needs of each developer, and works closely with prominent local authorities, public bodies, property companies, banks, financial institutions and retailers. Rioja Estates also recognizes the need for sustainable development and always seeks to create projects that afford the best environmental solution possible. Here are just some of the projects that we are proud to have been a part of…
United Kingdom
West Midlands Designer Outlet, Cannock, UK
Rioja led the development of a major, new purpose-built Outlet development, the first within the UK for 15 years. It was a 35-acre greenfield site in north of Birmingham, the UK’s second city after London. The scheme now has planning consent for a 26,941 sqm, comprising 129 retail and leisure units and 1824 car parking spaces. It is focused on the natural environment, seamlessly integrating with Cannock Chase, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The development will be the first zero carbon Outlet in the UK. This is the biggest development of its kind in the West Midlands and will inject much needed investment into the area, provide a huge economic boost putting the area firmly on the designer outlet map. The phased scheme will cost in excess of £110m.
A joint venture with McArthurGlen, U+I, Aviva and Richardson. The scheme is being built in two phases. Planning Consent was approved in September 2016 and the development is now managed by McArthurGlen Group, following Rioja’s introduction.
Grantham Designer Outlet Village, Lincolnshire, UK
The scheme, a joint venture between Rioja and Buckminster, a local landowner and developer, will include 130 units to be built in two phases and will comprise approximately 28,000sqm on a 36-acre site, just south of Grantham, close to the A1, the UK’s third busiest highway. The Designer Outlet Village will be accessed by a new junction on the A1, which will also connect to the new Southern Relief Road. Planning Consent was approved in December 2017.
ICON at the O2, London
Major refit development at the O2 Arena in London. A joint venture with AEG and Crosstree. Rioja assisted the owners and agents on the development and leasing of the scheme. The Icon Outlet scheme comprises approximately 19,500 sqm including 85 designer stores and 3,250 sqm of restaurants, cafes and bars. Opened October 2018.
The Boulevard, Northern Ireland
Rioja asset managed these Outlets for Tristan Capital Partners and The Lotus Group. The Boulevard is destined to be Northern Ireland’s number one outlet shopping Centre, located on the A1 road which links Belfast to Dublin. Rioja focused on Lease renewals, new brands and initiatives to drive density, turnover and spend per head.
International
Malmo Designer Village, Sweden
At Malmö Designer Village, guests will be able to enjoy an outlet shopping and leisure experience that is unparalleled in the whole of the Scandinavian region. €120 million is being invested in the project, across two phases, to create an all-day shopping and leisure experience. Malmö Designer Village will be Scandinavia’s largest outlet with easy access from European highway E25. The contemporary, village environment is inspired by Scandinavian design, culture, and local architectural styles. The distinctive shopping streets and landscaped gardens will play host to a programme of seasonal events that will create a unique point of difference, attract visitors, encourage repeat visits, and increase dwell time. Phase one of Malmö Designer Village is expected to open in Summer 2025 and will be home to six restaurants and cafés, with al fresco dining overlooking the attractive, landscaped gardens, making it an all-day destination. Phase Two will follow in Autumn 2027, creating further significant opportunities for brands to take space in a growing retail destination.
Bordeaux Outlet, France
Bergerac Outlets is leading the development of a 31,730 sq m scheme which will be developed in three phases. Phase 1 will be approximately 13,705 sq m. The scheme will be developed in an architectural style to reflect the local tradition and create a village atmosphere with the emphasis on leisure. The site is located approximately 25 km north east of Bordeaux.
The Prague Outlet
Rioja played an integral part in the creation and leasing of Prague The Style Outlets which is now part of a joint venture between NEINVER and The Prague Outlet, signed in 2016 to create the largest outlet centre in the Czech Republic, with a total investment of €70 million. The centre features over 100 stores in 20,000 sq m of GLA and includes brands such as Adidas, Benetton, Hamleys, Karl Lagerfeld, Lacoste, Nike, Trussardi, and Versace Jeans. A second phase will increase the total commercial space to 30,000 m² in the coming years. The outlet centre will bring over 600 jobs and considerable tourist spending to the local economy.
Premier Outlet Centre, Budapest, Hungary
The first FOC in Hungary totalling circa 25,000m² in 3 Phases. Developed in conjunction with Miller Developments and Raiffeisen Bank and part sold to Morley Fund Managers (Aviva). Then acquired on behalf of Lonestar/Hudson Advisors in 2017. We asset managed and leased this 24,500 sqm scheme. Asset Management included updating of the Restaurant Plaza, re-development of the Food Court and revitalization of the Phase 3 corner.
Village des Alpes, Bellegarde, France
Rioja, through its daughter company, Bergerac Outlets, set-up the team for leading the development of a 22-ha site to be developed in two phases. The scheme proposals are for an outlet centre of 31,000 sqm located immediately adjoining the A41 Autoroute, the main highway between Paris, Geneva, the Mont Blanc tunnel and Italy. The site is about 30 minutes from Geneva city and 70 minutes from Lyon. Planning permits have been secured and the site is now being managed and developed by Neinver.
Third Party Projects
Swindon Designer Outlet
Back in 1991, prior to creating Rioja Estates, managing director Giles Membrey worked on developing this outlet, one of the first in the UK. He was instrumental in successfully changing the existing planning consent from a traditional shopping centre to an outlet and was subsequently involved in the project’s leasing, development, and design.
Housed in the historic Great Western Railway Works, Swindon Designer Outlet is within walking distance of the town centre, and two miles from the M4. The outlet was extended in April 2015 and now contains more than 120 stores.
Bridgend Designer Outlet
Before setting up Rioja Estates, managing director Giles Membrey played a prominent role in creating what has become Wales’ premier outlet. He was influential in identifying the site, acquiring the land, pursuing the planning application, and winning a successful appeal against the original decision. Thereafter he was involved in the development and design of the outlet which opened in 1998 and is now home to more than 90 stores. Visible from the M4 motorway – the outlet is just 30 minutes from Cardiff and Swansea – it has a large leisure complex and an exclusive brand mix with a steady footfall.
