The ITIS Shopping Centre in Helsinki, managed by CC Real, was recognised by the Suomen Kauppakeskusyhdistys – the Finnish Council of Shopping Centers with two “Shopping Centre Act of the Year” awards on November 11, 2025.
The accolades in the categories “Development of New Services and Customer Experience” and “Marketing Campaign of the Year” acknowledge the centre’s comprehensive strategic repositioning, completed at the end of 2024.
Statements on the awards
In the “Development of New Services and Customer Experience” category, the jury praised the extensive renewal of the centre’s concept and services, which have significantly enhanced the customer experience throughout the property. The panel particularly highlighted the sustainable and holistic approach, as well as the successful transformation of an established asset into a modern urban hub.
In the “Marketing Campaign of the Year” category, the jury commended the strategically coherent marketing and communication strategy, featuring a clearly defined, target-oriented positioning, the consistent engagement of new demographic groups, and bold visual branding that has redefined ITIS as an inclusive and forward-looking urban destination.
“We are delighted about this recognition,” said Harald Schaller, Senior Asset Manager at CC Real. “Our goal was to reposition ITIS as a vibrant, future-proof urban centre – with a clear focus on user experience, sustainability and long-term value creation. We have evolved the centre into an asset that goes far beyond traditional retail – a multifunctional urban space that connects people and place.”
Transforming ITIS: a real urban mixed-use destination
With a total investment of €60 million, CC Real has transformed the ITIS Shopping Centre in Helsinki into a modern and future-ready urban destination. The objective was to reinvent the centre and strengthen its role as both a social and economic anchor for East Helsinki.
The repositioning encompassed architecture, tenant mix, customer experience, marketing strategy and sustainability standards. Particular emphasis was placed on integrating local needs and creating an environment with high experiential and stay quality. Key elements of the transformation include the new 4,000-square-metre market hall – now the social heart of the centre and a culinary landmark – and the completely redeveloped Bulevardi, the longest covered
shopping street in Northern Europe, featuring real trees and integrated green zones. The result is a coherent spatial and emotional experience that blends retail, gastronomy and community.
Market data and performance
The centre is owned by a joint venture (90% Morgan Stanley, 10% CC Real) and comprises nearly 99,000 square metres of gross lettable area with 211 tenants, including more than 120 retail stores and over 40 food & beverage operators. Annual footfall currently stands at around 14.4 million visitors, generating annual sales of €203 million.
In the medium term, ITIS aims to increase footfall to 18 million visitors per year. Located in East Helsinki, ITIS is directly connected to the city’s metro, tram and bus networks, as well as major road links. Planned infrastructure improvements are set to further enhance accessibility and integration with the surrounding urban fabric.
Sustainability and social impact
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the new ITIS strategy. The centre holds a BREEAM “Excellent” certification and the WWF Green Office label, with the ambition to achieve “Outstanding” status.
As part of the redevelopment, extensive measures were introduced to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and support sustainable mobility – including the installation of 50 new EV charging stations.
ITIS also demonstrates strong social responsibility through partnerships with local charities, education programmes and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and community engagement.
