Côte d'Azur is location for strategically placed 500,000 sq ft outlet mall
European outlet operator Freeport has secured its second site in France. The company, which pulled out of the UK two years ago but retains a listing on the London Stock Exchange, has agreed to buy 45 acres (18.2 ha) at Le Cannet des Maures on the Côte d'Azur. It plans to develop 500,000 sq ft (46,450 sq m) of retail and leisure space on the site.

It is situated north of St Tropez and is strategically located close to the A57 and A8, the main tourist routes to the South of France. Aix en Provence and Nice are both within an hour's drive. The company says the development has gained the support of the local authorities and committees involved in the initial planning process.

Freeport has already gained planning permission for a 300,000 sq ft (27,870 sq m) designer outlet centre at Roppenheim in eastern France.

Construction is expected to begin in the second half of this year and the operator has reported considerable tenant interest because 6.2 million French and German shoppers live within an hour's drive.

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