Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH and currently the world’s wealthiest person, is helping fund a significant skybridge in Montreal’s developing Royalmount Mall. This 200-meter footbridge connects the De la Savane metro station to the mall, marking a major milestone in the ongoing luxury retail development.
Arnault’s investment, alongside his firm L. Catterton, brings the mall closer to its planned August 2024 opening, and the covered walkway adds to Montreal’s growing list of unique architectural features. The Royalmount Mall represents one of the city’s largest private real estate investments in decades and is set to become Canada’s second-largest mall.
Key Takeaways
- Bernard Arnault is helping fund a major skybridge in Montreal.
- Royalmount Mall is a significant luxury retail development set to open in August 2024.
- Skybridge connects the metro station to the mall, enhancing accessibility.
- L. Catterton is a key investor, along with Carbonleo, in the project.
- Luxury Brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co. will feature prominently.
The Skybridge
The Footbridge and Its Significance
The skybridge, spanning 200 meters, is a striking architectural feature connecting the De la Savane metro station to the Royalmount Mall. This covered walkway is just 50 meters short of the world’s longest covered passageway, emphasizing its impressive scale. The footbridge offers direct access from public transit to the luxury shopping hub, enhancing convenience for shoppers and positioning Royalmount as a major retail destination in Montreal.
The World’s Longest Covered Walkway
The Royalmount skybridge ranks among the longest covered walkways on Earth, falling just short of the record-holder in Pickering, Ontario. The bridge underscores Montreal’s evolving infrastructure, especially in the realm of overhead pedestrian passageways, which have become increasingly prominent in the city after being virtually banned for decades.
L. Catterton and Carbonleo’s Involvement
L. Catterton, a private equity firm co-created by Bernard Arnault, and Carbonleo, a Montreal-based real estate developer, are leading the Royalmount project. This partnership brings together expertise in luxury retail and mixed-use developments, resulting in a high-end shopping hub poised to fill a void in Montreal’s retail landscape.
The Vision Behind Royalmount
Luxury Retail and High-End Brands
Royalmount’s first phase, covering 824,000 square feet, is set to host luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., and Versace. The mall’s development is part of a broader trend of increasing demand for luxury retail, with global upscale retailers expanding their presence to capture a larger share of the market.
A Unique Shopping Destination
The Royalmount Mall is envisioned as a unique shopping destination, blending luxury retail with entertainment and dining options. The skybridge enhances this vision by providing easy access from public transit, creating a seamless shopping experience for visitors.
Bernard Arnault’s Ties to Montreal
Bernard Arnault, the driving force behind the Royalmount project, has personal ties to Montreal. His wife, Hélène Mercier, is a concert pianist from the city, and several of their children attended university there. This connection adds a personal touch to Arnault’s involvement in the development, further highlighting his commitment to the project.
FAQs
What is the significance of the Royalmount skybridge?
The Royalmount skybridge is a 200-meter covered walkway connecting the De la Savane metro station to the Royalmount Mall, enhancing accessibility and convenience for shoppers.
Who is funding the Royalmount Mall development?
The Royalmount Mall development is funded by Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, through his private equity firm L. Catterton, in partnership with Carbonleo.
When is the Royalmount Mall set to open?
The Royalmount Mall is expected to open in August 2024, with its first phase covering 824,000 square feet of retail space.
What luxury brands will be featured at Royalmount Mall?
Royalmount Mall will feature luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., and Versace, among others.
How does the Royalmount skybridge compare to other covered walkways?
The Royalmount skybridge, at 200 meters, is among the longest covered walkways in the world, just 50 meters shorter than the record-holder in Pickering, Ontario.
