20 January, 2012
DTZ is delighted to announce that shopping and entertainment centre Riviera Shopping City in Odessa was named “Cultural and social centre of the year” according to the results of the annual “National Recognition 2011” popularity ranking of personalities and events in the southern region of Ukraine.
The annual popularity ranking “National Recognition 2011” was established in 2001. Organisers of the event are the leading newspapers and magazines in Odessa, including “Argumenty i Fakty v Ukraine”, Komsomolskaya Pravda v Ukraine”, “Telenedelya”, Nash gorod” and magazine “Favorit Udachi”.
DTZ was involved from initial concept development, was then appointed as exclusive leasing agent and now acts as exclusive centre manager. The current occupancy rate of Riviera Shopping City is 100% and the visiting footfall rate grows at 60% per year. Through innovative marketing solutions, developed by the DTZ management team, brand recognition of Riviera Shopping City reached its maximum levels during the first two years of operation. With six million visitors over the last 12 months, Riviera has become a favourite shopping and leisure destination for Odessa citizens as well as for city visitors.
The management team of the Riviera Shopping City is always pleased to see visitors and regularly provides a successful variety of entertainment activities and colourful shows. Even in these difficult economic times, the Riviera Shopping City is seeking new opportunities to support the development of modern culture.
Last year the Riviera Shopping City organised the Ukrainian Modern Dance Championship, held the final of the sixth Ukrainian charity event “Heart to Heart”, honoured veterans on Victory Day, organised a holiday event for the youngest centre visitors during Children’s Day and provided two “Cosmopolitan Nights” with incredible sales for all shopping lovers in Odessa. During some of the many fashion events which were held by the Riviera Shopping City, young fashion designers were able to demonstrate their skills and talents.
Dennis Selinas, Argo Real Estate Opportunities Fund Manager, (Riviera Shopping Centre Investor) commented: “Argo commenced its investment in the Riviera Shopping Centre just as the economic downturn started. However, rather than abandon the project, as many foreign investors may have done, Argo persevered and invested in the completion of the project. As a result, Argo has delivered a successful retail centre which offers the highest European standards of shopping and leisure and welcomes thousands of customers daily.
“As well as investing in the Riviera project, Argo has supported the development of local infrastructure, namely a local kindergarten, hospital and a new road. Argo is proud of these achievements and of this award”.