Near Toulouse. This large shopping center under construction will have a new “leisure and catering center”

It is one of the largest shopping centers in the Toulouse area and one of those that functions best in a context of very strong competition.

However, the Blagnac shopping center does not intend to rest on its laurels and seeks to improve what works less.

An entire wing of the shopping center redeveloped

In this month of January 2025, Klépierrethe manager of the shopping mall, is in the process of redeveloping an entire wing of the shopping center: the one located just opposite the CGR cinema.

It is not just a facelift that is proposed, but complete reorganization of a significant part of the center which is in progress.

Rehabilitate the rear area of ​​the UGC cinema

Currently hidden by fences, the rehabilitation of the former commercial unit of the C&A store, a brand closed in 2018, and its immediate environment is underway.

On site, Klépierre creates anticipation with messages intended for customers: “Work in progress, new products coming soon” or even “Sweet or savory, there is something for everyone”.

“The project consists of rehabilitating the rear area of ​​the cinematoday consisting of a car park partially used by staff, and by the storage of skips and additional deliveries for businesses, as well as the area of ​​the shopping center formerly occupied by C&A », describes the project leader in the building permit thatToulouse News was able to consult.

“Provide a real leisure center”

He explains the genesis of the project:

“The release of C&A commerce in the area has led to a reflection on the occupation of the area, and the relationship of the center with its exterior. At the same time, it was reported that additional request for catering offers on the area, to complement that present at entrance 4. The desire was therefore to reinterpret the codes of shopping centers by taking advantage of the presence of the Cinema to turn the activity more towards the outside, in order to anchor itself more in the surrounding urban fabric, by offering a real leisure and catering center ».

The current enlarged cinema square

The idea is quite clear. The square, in front of the cinema, but located at the back of the shopping center, hidden and austere, must change. The goal of the redevelopment is to make this side of the shopping center more attractive. To make it a strong point.

How ? The shopping center plans to reclassify the outdoor space, also adding more activities.

The current facade of the building must be moved back to ventilate the current rather narrow square, between the shopping center and the cinema. “This will provide space for breathing and
distribution in front of the entrance to the Shopping Center, and the Cinema, which will take advantage of this space,” indicated the project leader in the building permit.

The new facade will be topped by an awning.

A new area: “La Cosina”

As an extension of the cinema, the area currently occupied by the car park and dumpsters will become “La Cosina”. This is how it was given in the town planning documents validated by the Blagnac town hall.

“La Cosina” will be the new restaurant area focused on new green spaces. This area will be connected to the shopping center by a new entrance which will be created.

In this context, part of the former C&A unit will be divided with the creation of six restaurant brands.Some of these brands will only face outwards with furnished terraces. Some restaurants would face both the exterior and the mall.

Eight brands will arrive

The other part of the former C&A will be occupied by traditional businesses. In total, there are eight businesses which should bring this “new leisure and catering hub” to life.

“This area is imagined as a lively and landscaped living space, where leisure activities can take place such as events (concerts, theater), and the presence of a play space dedicated to children,” concludes the project leader.

Contacted by Toulouse Newsthe shopping center did not wish to detail its project. Nor announce a timetable.

Given the scale of the work to be carried out, the project should not be completed for several months.

Already an extension in 2022

This is part of a dynamic of continuous development of the shopping center and its surrounding area.

In 2024, seven brands will join the shopping mall: Sud Express, Maty, Julien d’Orcel, Dreams Donuts, Sometimes, Rituals and Pandora.

Right next door, Cultura has integrated the Alinéa building. The cultural brand shares this building with the furniture store.

Soon 150 shops and restaurants

With 140 shops and restaurants as well as a 15-screen cinema, the Blagnac shopping center welcomes 7 million visitors each year, according to figures communicated by Klepierre, at Toulouse News in July 2024.

In 2022, the shopping center had already expanded to support the extension of the Zara brand in particular.

In a few months, it will almost count 150 shops and restaurantsand almost no empty commercial cells. Almost an achievement in the current economic context.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.