From September 2010 to October 2011, 20,000 m² of new rental space was created and additional parking spaces were added in the underground garages and on the roof. The value of the investments amounts to approximately €50 million.
“Strong and continuous interest from national and international retailers in additional space, impressive visitor statistics combined with the potential of a dynamically growing economy and the high purchasing power of Silesia were the decisive factors for our decision to extend the Silesia City Center,” commented Eduard Zehetner, CEO of Immofinanz Group, on this strategic step.
“We are very pleased that our investment has created a win-win situation for our company and the local community. For the local community, the extension will create nearly 500 new jobs and attractive entertainment facilities. For Immofinanz Group, it will boost the market position of our flagship shopping center in Poland.”
A true success story
The Silesia City Center in Katowice, the capital city of the voivodship Silesia (Southern Poland), is the most important shopping center in the entire region. It was completed in November 2005. Since that time, the Silesia City Center with roughly 250 shops on 66,000 sqm has registered impressive performance. It is not only a regional landmark – it has become one of the best known shopping centers in Poland.
Nearly 14 million visitors per year, and the trend is rising
Since the opening more than five years ago, the available space has been fully rented. Silesia City Center serves a catchment area (based on travelling time of 60 minutes) of more than 3.7 million residents with a wide range of shopping and entertainment alternatives. Popular international retailers like Tesco, Saturn, C&A, Zara and Royal Collection have enjoyed a steady increase in visitors. In 2010 an electronic frequency measurement registered nearly 14 million customers, i.e. more than 38,000 shoppers per day on approximately 66,000 m².
Extension as the logical consequence
Strong and continuous interest from national and international retailers in additional space and impressive visitor statistics were the crucial factors for the decision to extend the Silesia City Center. From September 2010 to October 2011 a total of 20,000 m²of new rental space was created and more than 500 parking spaces were added in the underground garages and on the roof. The increase in parking to approximately 3,500 spaces, combined with optimal connections to the public transportation network, also enhances the attractiveness of the Silesia City Center.
The strategic benefits of the extension can be seen from two angles: On the one hand, the growing demand of first-rate tenants for prime retail space can now be met and, on the other hand, the future of this well-established location is protected by strengthening the leading market position of Silesia City Center with an increased offering of retail space and a larger variety of goods and services.
Silesia City Center today
Over 800 people worked on the expansion of Silesia City Center, a project that was headed by the Immofinanz commercial development team. Prior to its opening the Silesia City Center extension was fully let to top national and international retailers like Van Graaf, H&M, Smyk Megastore, Cubus and KappAhl. Unique brands that are new to the Silesian market, such as Guess Denim, Tommy Hilfiger and La Mania, are also opening stores in the extension. In addition to clothing chains, the new section of Silesia City Center accommodates luxury brands like Calvin Klein Jeans, Pinko, Guess Denim, Furla and Rolex, as well as restaurants and health & beauty services.
Today Silesia City Center ranks among the top five shopping centers in Poland and holds the leading position in Silesia and in Zaglæbie with a selling area of 86,000 m² accommodating 310 shops. The wide variety of national and international labels, including popular chains and high-end brands, also makes Silesia City Center competitive with shopping centers in Cracow, Warsaw and Wrocùaw, where Silesians often do their shopping.
The expanded mall will also be attractive for foreign customers. The growing interest of the Czechs, Russians, Germans and Slovaks, who are frequent shoppers in Silesia, will have a positive impact on the Silesia City Center.
New jobs for young people
The recruitment process run by the tenants of the extension has become one of the most extensive in recent years. Nearly 3,000 people have worked in the Silesia City Center to date, and this number will now increase to 3,500. Especially for young people, Silesia City Center offers an opportunity to start their professional career in an attractive, dynamic and future-oriented environment. More than 80% of the new employees are young people and students.
Impressive architectural approach
In addition to a striking offering, Silesia City Center impresses with its architecture. Warsaw’s Bose International Planning and Architecture Studio – which designed the first part of Silesia City Center – also developed the architectural concept for the extension. The aim was to realize a concept that breaks up the stereotypical image of shopping malls. The result is a 200 meter semi-circular facade with glass, ceramics and aluminum as decorative elements to achieve an outstanding, individual character.
“It is amazing to see the results of one year’s work today. I am well aware that this tremendous success was only possible due to the total commitment and professional approach of the many men and women involved, and I would like to express my appreciation for these efforts. To all our colleagues and project partners – thank you!” added Zehetner in conclusion.
Source: Immofinanz Group
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