Since opening in May 2014, Les Terrasses du Port has been instrumental in changing the face of Marseille, bringing in high-quality retail, restaurants, and the night-time economy. For its 10th anniversary, Les Terrasses du Port has benefitted from a refresh of all common areas, and its owner Hammerson is making exciting plans for the future, leveraging its expertise to create a vibrant ‘multi-purpose destination’ to stand the test of time.
The 10 year anniversary will be brought to life during a 3 day event which celebrates culture, art, fashion and retail, followed by a series of summer events including for the Olympics.
Celebrating this vibrant destination
Hammerson’s vision is to transform its assets from places where customers come only to shop to ‘destinations’, which offer an exciting mix of entertainment, social and cultural concepts and uses complemented by high-quality retail, entertainment and restaurant brands.
Introducing new flagship brands, cultural events and entertainment concepts has already generated new reasons for customers to visit beyond retail, boosting footfall and sales, improving community service, creating memories for visitors and building lasting cultural impact.
Hammerson’s strategy recognises the unique location of Les Terrasses du Port and the opportunity to consolidate a strong retail and events offer, to drive footfall, increase dwell time and foster customer engagement through best-in-class occupiers, innovative brands and creatively repurposing indoor and outdoor space.
Aymeric Métais, Country Director, Hammerson: "We take pride in our ownership and management of Les Terrasses du Port and recognise the crucial socio-economic role it has played over the last decade. During this time, the consumer and occupier landscape has evolved and at pace. Our strategic focus is on broadening the use and expanding the proposition of our assets in order to create vibrant destinations which have a positive impact for generations to come. We will continue to invest and evolve Terrasses du Port to respond to the needs of the city and its people.”
Investment underway
Hammerson’s leadership recognise that Les Terrasses du Port connects the community in a unique way, acting as destination to socialise whilst also supporting the local economy by employing over 2,000 people.
Investment is already underway across key strategic pillars including leasing and placemaking to drive footfall and engagement, alongside ESG to support the Group’s commitments to being Net Zero by 2030.
The new approach includes proactively focusing on high quality, diverse brands and placemaking through cultural partnerships and events.
Creating outstanding experiences
- Bringing in the nighttime economy: In partnership with French station, Radio Star, the terrace at Les Terrasses du Port came alive during ‘Sunset Live’ with live music throughout the summer.
- Introducing art and culture: Cabanons des Terrasses du Port animated the terrace with pop-up restaurants and bars alongside a skate track, street art sessions and live music.
- Creating new reasons to visit beyond retail: A new ice rink facing the sea engaged new customers at Christmas, driving footfall for occupiers
Exclusive concepts and iconic brands:
- Attracting international occupiers: Flagship stores from major brands include Apple, Dyson, Lego, Mango and Printemps.
- Incubating new brands: Hype is meeting demand for limited edition sneakers particularly from a younger demographic.
- Partnering with local talent: Marseille rapper and singer, Jul, chose Les Terrasses du Port to launch a two-week pop-up boasting his new collection of clothes and accessories.
- Olympique de Marseille (OM), the legendary French football club, has also chosen to open its flagship store.
- Atelier Fil Rouge, a manufacturer of 100% French, sustainable, and Marseillaise textiles. The brand will produce volunteer outfits for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Sustainable development
- EUR6.5m over 10 years: Les Terrasses du Port has now achieved a BREEAM In-Use rating of “Excellent” and ISO 14001 for its pioneering approach to sustainability including 80% of waste produced being recycled.
- In 2020, installation of more than 5000 m² of photovoltaic panels on the roof providing 40% of the electricity needs for all common areas.
- Connection to the Thassalia network in 2021, the first marine geothermal power plant in France, allowing a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
- TerraMetha micro-methanization station – the first of its kind in a retail destination in France - to convert food waste by restaurants into compost
Marie Canton, Destination Director, Les Terrasses du Port said: "We are a true pilot laboratory in terms of sustainable development and wish to continue this commitment in favour of a circular economy with ambitious projects.
We have just signed a partnership with Le Défi de Monte Cristo and are very proud to be able to introduce 300 Marseille children to swimming. Starting in 2025, we will open a second 2,000 m² photovoltaic plant that will provide 100% green electricity to a community self-consumption group within 2 km radius. And we continue to work on a project for an urban farm on our roofs to restore biodiversity, supply fruits and vegetables to the restaurants and the neighbourhood, but also to welcome young and old to discover agriculture."
Celebrating the 10th anniversary with a 3-day festival
In honour of its 10th anniversary and to celebrate the strategic evolution of this iconic multi-use destination, Les Terrasses du Port will host a three-day art, fashion and music event on the famous terrace (Friday 24 May to Sunday 26 May).
Highlights include:
- May 24 there will be an exceptional show of 400 luminous drones themed around the marine world, followed by a live concert by singer Philippine Lavrey.
- May 25 and 26 there will be a fashion show in partnership with Printemps as well as artistic animations, including the launch of the giant artistic mural covering the floor of the seaside promenade terrace, which will be painted live throughout the month of June.
ENDS