Leiden shopping district wins Dutch retail development prize

By

Shomara Roosblad

Published
Sep 24, 2018

On the evening of Thursday 20 September, the Nederlandse Raad Winkelcentra NRW (Dutch Council of Shopping Centres) announced the Catharinasteeg in Leiden as the winner of the Jaarprijs 2018, an annual award that recognizes retail development in the Netherlands.

The Catharinasteeg is a 6,000-square-metre newly opened retail area developed by MRP Development and owned by UBS Asset Management. The site features 10 units, which are housed in a mix of historical and new buildings. Retailers include Swedish retailer H&M; accessories retailer O Shop; and multi-brand store Via Mio.

René Vierkant, chairman of the jury at NRW Jaarprijs, said of the winner: “This project did not undergo the easiest development. It demonstrated courage and perseverance to connect historic Leiden with modern city life. A high-quality area is the result, which seems that it will automatically draw in visitors and where you can continue to wander and where you want to return! Exactly as a retail development should be.”

Brigit Gerritse, director NRW, added: “The project is brand new, but it seems as if it has always been there. A very sustainable and future-proof example for the sector, and thus, the right winner!”

The finalists of the NRW Jaarprijs 2018, included: De Barones, Breda; Hilvertshof, Hilversum; Koningshoek, Maassluis; and Koedijkslanden, Meppel.

Previous recipients of the NRW Jaarprijs are Winkelcentrum Kerkelanden in Hilversum (2017), Gelderlandplein in Amsterdam (2016), and Markthal Rotterdam (2015).

The NRW brings together experts, stakeholders and innovators within the Dutch retail industry and stimulates knowledge development across the sector. The NRW consists of approximately 500 members, including the government, developers, investors, financiers, researchers, marketers and consultants.

The NRW Jaarprijs 2018 was awarded during the annual NRW Congress at Theater Amsterdam.