Shopping Centre and Retail Analysis 

We have an established solid reputation of providing insightful market analysis for retail and shopping centre developments. We assist our clients in the development, expansion and repositioning of retail commercial properties. Our work involves the evaluation of demographic, income and expenditure trends, market competition, survey research, the forecasting of market needs, as well as an assessment of specific retail opportunities, including warranted space and phasing strategies. Our firm also undertakes studies that identify the market impacts of new development on the existing commercial structure of a community.  Our work is often used as input to the official plan process. Our studies are also used by private developers to accompany development applications. 

Real Estate Market Analysis

We are able to offer clients expertise in analyzing the market for a full range of urban land uses, including: housing, office, retail, employment land, institutional facilities, cemeteries, retirement homes, and other community-oriented services. We have assisted our clients in making strategic decisions with regards to individual properties as well as much larger special policy areas such as waterfronts, downtowns, business parks, airports and brownfield districts. Our studies are used to advance projects through the approval process.  

Real Estate Development Strategies

Understanding how to maximize the value of land development parcels can be a complex undertaking. Real estate development strategies involve a number of considerations, including: competing market interests, long-term development horizons, municipal and other regulatory challenges and physical limitations to growth on-site. In developing effective real estate solutions, we often partner with other real estate professionals, including: land use planners, urban designers, architects, engineers, traffic consultants and lawyers. Our role typically involves the determination of uses, physical space warranted in the development (building and land area), and the appropriate timing of delivery to ensure that the client’s financial return is fully maximized.

 Leisure and Tourism Analysis

The tourism industry is becoming increasingly sophisticated and competitive.  Many communities are not taking full advantage of their visitor attractions and infrastructure in terms of creating economic opportunities.  Our practice focuses on market research, project feasibility and strategic tourism planning.  Our professionals provide the detailed market research that is critical to refining concepts and  developing  financial feasibility models based on realistic attendance and visitation levels.    

Site Selection

Selecting an appropriate location for business is challenging.  urbanMetrics has assisted a number of large organizations  to find an appropriate locations  to operate retail, manufacturing, distribution, and corporate/administrative office functions. We have also used our expertise to assist in the site selection of hospitals, courts, community services and recreational facilities on behalf of public sector agencies.    

Highest & Best Use Studies

We evaluate the highest and best use for greenfield and brownfield sites by identifying the specific use (or mix of uses) that would generate the highest return. Highest and best use studies typically include a pro forma analysis and the determination of rents and incomes streams yielded by a variety of potential land use options.