Benoy provides some high-class retail therapy to UK's export recovery
When David Cameron and his coalition government urged British firms to do more business with the high-growth and emerging markets of the world, the battle-cry would have been appreciated by architects and planners Benoy.
The multinational firm, which was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in London, has been at the forefront of expansion into Asia and the Middle East and has even masterplanned the most prestigious new development in Mongolia.
Now it is celebrating the opening of a state-of-the-art shopping mall in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and five years of ground-breaking work in Singapore.
The Galleria on Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, has just opened its doors, and Benoy, in partnership with Elkus Manfredi, was appointed architect for the project, a 130 unit 33,000m² GLA super-luxury retail and dining destination, sitting on the spectacular waterfront with stunning views across the new promenade.
The Galleria is set in the grounds of the opulent Sowwah Square scheme, and inspiration for the design came from the exclusive and unique brands that will occupy the centre.
The Galleria boasts one of the highest concentrations of luxury brands in MENA, including Burberry, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Prada. The Great Room houses an impressive collection of labels, which are displayed in impressive double height shop fronts, enclosed by a glass skylight.
The project is the vision of Gulf Related and Mubadala Real Estate and Infrastructure (MREI), who have developed this landmark mixed–use scheme on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island.
The site incorporates the city’s new Exchange building, hotels, shopping and leisure facilities. Due to open in 2017, stage two, Sowwah Central, will also feature adjoining luxury and residential towers and will be one of the largest urban retail and leisure destinations in the region.
The Galleria is one of a number of high-profile schemes that Benoy has designed in the UAE, with a portfolio including the iconic Ferrari World Abu Dhabi as well as The Avenue and The Beach, which are both due to open shortly.
Benoy Managing Director, Nick Lamb, said: “It is a testament to Benoy’s reputation and our position within the global market that we were chosen to configure a project of this magnitude.
“With The Galleria we have designed a space that reflects the elegance of the occupants and captures the dynamism of the local area, which will appeal to city, regional and international visitors alike.
Meanwhile the company is celebrating its fifth anniversary in Singapore, growing from landmark beginnings along the Orchard Road to its appointment on two of the country’s most anticipated future developments at Singapore Changi Airport.