When homegrown company Weaving Baskets Group (WBG) took ownership of the Cornwall Square in September 2021, they knew what they had to do: Listen and respond to the community.
“Our redevelopment plans for this anchor property have very much been shaped around what locals have been telling us they want and need in the mall,” said Dale Allen, Director of Business Development, WBG. “It’s an exciting time as we move forward with a vision of re-establishing the Cornwall Square as a landmark destination in the city. It’ll take time and a lot of hard work but we’re up for the challenge.”
In February, WBG launched their large, multi-year redevelopment program. Phase 1 is currently underway: A total renovation and expansion of the food court. Two new tenants—Juntos Mexican Eatery and Daily Chuck, a Smashburger joint—have signed on to join Tim Hortons, Asian Wagon, Wok Express, Cedars, and Sip and Scoop Bubble Tea. In addition, the company leaked the future opening of Butcher’s Vault. The butcher shop and fromagerie is the vision of well-known local figures Chef Luc McCabe and Ian Bentley, WBG’s Director of Hospitality.
On the heels of that big news, management recently announced a new partnership with the Ottawa office of Marcus and Millichap. WBG hired the firm to lease remaining retail, service, and hospitality spaces in the Cornwall Square shopping centre, in the downtown core. They will work directly with Richard Getz, the Vice President, Leasing for Marcus and Millichap. He is a respected veteran in the industry with more than 40 years of experience of leasing shopping centres.
WBG has expressly directed Getz and his team to market the lease of a 25,000-square-foot space with an eye on leasing to a grocer—something locals have been clamouring for. The prime location features a separate exterior entrance, dedicated parking, and much foot traffic. Additionally, their team is soliciting interest from restauranteurs for a 5,000-square-foot space with patio and views of Lamoureux Park and the St. Lawrence River.
In the meantime, Marcus and Millichap will continue to showcase retail opportunities in the core of the mall to join Shoppers Drug Mart, People’s Jewellers, Laura Secord, and more.
“We are excited to work with this incredible leasing company to fill the mall once again with great restaurants and retailers—and new and returning customers, of course!” said Allen.
WBG will carry on with sharing details with the community on its social media pages and through the media and invites community members to share their feedback on the redevelopment plans.
