January 14, 2026

The inner-city shopping centre ALEXA concluded 2025 on a strong note. With a letting rate of 99 per cent, the centre was almost fully leased and recorded increases in both visitor numbers and turnover compared with the previous year.

In a world where billions of dollars are being invested in AI capacity to increasingly digitally track and capture consumer trends, shopping centres remind consumers about the basic human need for social interaction and emotional experience that really drives a successful bricks and mortar retail business. Present COO – taking the role of CEO in April 2026 – of NEPI Rockcastle, Marek Noetzel discusses his perspective on placemaking 2026.