Westfield Part-Dieu: A Hub of Innovation and Growth in Lyon
Lyon, March 9, 2026 – The Westfield Part-Dieu shopping centre, a prominent retail destination in Lyon, is set to undergo a major transformation with the introduction of new stores, a substantial restaurant concept, and a series of cultural events. Jean-Philippe Pelou-Daniel, the centre’s director, revealed these exciting plans in an exclusive interview with actu Lyon.
The centre concluded the previous year with a robust performance, registering 32.2 million visitors, a 1.3% increase from the previous year’s 31.85 million. This growth outpaces the national average for French shopping centres, which stands at approximately +0.6%. The beginning of 2026 also shows a positive trend, with January experiencing a 3.1% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, despite a slight slowdown in February due to school holiday shifts. The centre anticipates a strong rebound in March.
IT Villagio: A Giant Italian Culinary Experience
A highlight of the upcoming changes is the arrival of IT Villagio, an expansive Italian restaurant concept, which will occupy the 1,900 sq m space previously held by Food Society. The restaurant will feature a 500 sq m terrace and aims to recreate the ambiance of a traditional Italian village, offering diverse culinary experiences with ingredients sourced directly from Italy. This will be IT Villagio’s second venture in France, following its successful launch at the Cap 3000 shopping centre near Nice. Its opening is scheduled between late October and early December, following several months of renovation work.
The existing IT Trattoria, located near the UGC cinema, will close to allow the brand to focus on this larger, more ambitious concept. Negotiations are currently underway for a new restaurant to occupy the vacated space.
Pelou-Daniel emphasized the growing importance of dining options at Part-Dieu, stating, “We have become one of Lyon’s strongholds for dining.” He noted the need to enhance Italian cuisine offerings, and IT Villagio perfectly addresses this. While acknowledging the demand for fast-food, he also highlighted the success of other diverse restaurants like Le Paradis du Fruit and Panasia, indicating a balanced culinary landscape.
New Retailers and Renovated Spaces
The shopping centre is also preparing for a wave of new store openings and re-openings:
- G la dalle: Opening March 13.
- Mira Mira: A jewellery brand, opening March 30.
- Frivilin: Men’s ready-to-wear, opening early April.
- Donuts & Donuts: A kiosk, opening in April.
Several stores are also undergoing renovations and re-opening:
- Tamaris: Re-opening March 25.
- Hugo Boss: Re-opening March 26.
- Maisons du monde: Re-opened on March 7 with a new concept store.
- New Yorker: Will relocate to the centre’s entrance and re-open in a fully renovated 1,300 sq m store next to Five Guys. Pelou-Daniel expressed enthusiasm for New Yorker, noting its strong performance, particularly among younger audiences and through social media influence.
The centre’s vacancy rate is significantly decreasing, reaching one of its lowest levels in recent years, reflecting the strong demand for retail space.
Addressing Customer Needs and Future Possibilities
With 310 boutiques, Westfield Part-Dieu already boasts a comprehensive retail offering. Monthly visitor surveys indicate that the centre meets 90-95% of customer expectations. Pelou-Daniel suggested that a DIY store could be a valuable addition, a concept they have been exploring for years, though challenges exist as DIY chains typically prefer peripheral locations.
Regarding the potential arrival of Shein, Pelou-Daniel clarified that it is “not on the agenda at all.” He stated that such decisions are made at the group level rather than by the Part-Dieu centre itself, and while they observe Shein’s activities out of curiosity, there are no immediate plans for a store at Part-Dieu.
Enhanced Security Measures
Security remains a top priority at the centre. Following an isolated incident last summer involving a security agent, Pelou-Daniel highlighted the extensive security infrastructure, which includes a significant number of cameras and a team of approximately 100 security personnel. He stated that the video surveillance system allows them to solve 98% of incidents. The centre also features two emergency call points directly linked to their security control centre and has implemented the “Angela” device against street harassment with a third of its retailers.
Cultural Events and Community Engagement
Beyond retail, Westfield Part-Dieu is actively engaging in cultural initiatives:
- Exhibition: A year-long exhibition in collaboration with the Couty Museum, focusing on the theme of travel and Italy, particularly Venice, will feature works by several Lyon artists, including Jean Fusaro. It will be located in a large gallery on the Cuirassiers side of the centre.
- French Armed Forces Recruitment: The three French armies will be present on April 3 and 4 to showcase their professions and recruit.
- Immersive Theatre: An immersive theatre piece, directed by Roland Auzet and based on a text by Goncourt Prize winner Laurent Gaudé, will be performed in the centre from April 21 to 30.
Pelou-Daniel also commented on the upcoming municipal elections, stating that the centre has had a constructive working relationship with the current administration, particularly regarding social economy and the renaturation of the site. He noted that most candidates have met with him to discuss their visions for the Part-Dieu area.
Source: actu.fr
