J. Crew, Simons, Nordstrom coming to Rideau Centre

Simons, J. Crew, Victoria's Secret and Nordstrom are some of the brands coming to the Rideau Centre during a $360-million redevelopment project.

The 30-year-old shopping centre is owned by Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited, which owns, invests in and manages commercial real estate.

The redevelopment is already underway and is expected to be done in 2016, according to a media release.

Projects include:

• A four-level expansion to add 230,000 square feet of leasable area as well as a three-level underground parking garage.
• Significant façade enhancements along Rideau Street including a refurbished Ogilvy Building heritage façade.
• A 35,000-square-foot dining hall featuring 16 "premium branded" restaurants, seating for 850 people and reusable dinnerware, glassware and metal cutlery.
• A complete interior renovation featuring new quartz flooring, enhanced lighting, glass guardrails and other amenities.
• The existing Harry Rosen store will be transformed into a flagship location. 
• Two direct light rail transit access points to Rideau Station, a stop along Ottawa’s new Confederation Line.

The mall's general manager said the Ottawa retail market is strong and needs to expand.

When the retailers are knocking and you don't have space to give them because you're 100 per cent occupied, that tells you that you need to get a shovel in the ground and work on an expansion," said Cindy VanBuskirk.

The mall will stay open during construction and steps will be taken to minimize the impact on shoppers "wherever possible," the company said.

The news comes at a time when the Bayshore Shopping Centre in west Ottawa is also expanding, including the city's first H&M opening in October.