NEINVER outlet centres achieve milestone in accessibility standards

NEINVER has raised the bar for accessibility across its portfolio, with 66% of its centres achieving higher ratings in the latest certification cycle conducted in 2024. Currently, 70% of NEINVER’s outlets boast AIS certifications of 4 stars or higher, showcasing the company’s commitment to inclusivity and universal accessibility.

The AIS (Accessibility Indicator System) certification, issued by the Accessibility and Social Responsibility Foundation (ARS), is an international benchmark for assessing the physical, functional, and virtual accessibility of buildings. With a maximum rating of 5 stars, it evaluates spaces on their ability to accommodate all users, including those with disabilities.

NEINVER has made significant strides in both Poland and Spain, implementing advanced accessibility solutions that exceed legal requirements:
• Poland: FACTORY centres in Warsaw (Annopol and Ursus), Poznań, and Gliwice achieved 4-star AIS ratings. These improvements included installing alarm systems in accessible toilets, evacuation panels, and induction loops at information points. Notably, FACTORY Ursus and FACTORY Poznań saw their ratings jump from 2 to 4 stars after extensive upgrades.
• Spain: The Style Outlets in Getafe, Las Rozas, and Coruña increased their AIS certifications from 3 to 4 stars, with Viladecans The Style Outlets maintaining the highest rating of 5 stars. Enhancements included upgraded accessible toilets, new pedestrian signage, improved lifts, and escape panels. At Coruña The Style Outlets, uneven parking surfaces were smoothed out, and easy-access grab bars were added.

NEINVER’s dedication to accessibility is deeply embedded in its sustainable development strategy. Since adopting AIS standards in 2017, the company has focused on removing architectural barriers and improving the shopping experience for people with limited mobility, sensory disabilities, or other special needs. By 2022, all NEINVER centres across Europe were AIS-certified, establishing the Spanish multinational as a benchmark for accessibility in the retail sector.

“We are proud of this achievement because it reflects our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility,” said Alberto Vilches, Sustainability Manager at NEINVER. “Many of our facilities have been on the market for years, and achieving 4-star AIS certification demonstrates our efforts to modernize and offer the highest standards of accessibility.”

In 2024, NEINVER was recognized by the ARS Foundation on the 10th anniversary of the AIS certification program for its unwavering commitment to accessibility. The company’s proactive approach ensures that its centres not only comply with but exceed accessibility standards, providing safe, comfortable environments for all visitors.

NEINVER’s ongoing investments in accessibility reinforce its leadership in creating inclusive, user-friendly shopping environments, setting a new standard for the outlet centre industry across Europe.