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placemaking

For more than 50 years the EuroShop has been a global innovation and information platform and is one of the most important industry events for the world of international retail. Over 1,750 exhibitors coming from 55 countries will be present at the 21st edition of the trade show. Especially throughout these difficult times, the industry is on the lookout for contacts, opportunities and perspectives. Heidemarie Kriz took a look around Düsseldorf for ACROSS.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield currently operates 23 centers in the Germany and Austria region: 21 in Germany, eight of them in the Group’s own portfolio, and two in Austria. A total of 732 leases were concluded for these 23 centers last year. In addition, the mixed-use project Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, which is being developed by URW in Hamburg’s HafenCity until spring 2024, also experienced a lot of activity in 2022. The pre-letting rate for the retail, dining, and leisure sectors is now 73 percent.

When he founded ACROSS in 2008, Reinhard Winiwarter said, “I love retail.” That same phrase now serves as his motivation in 2023. In his personal review of the past 15 years, the founder of, editor of, and provider of ideas for ACROSS emphasizes how important it is to orient oneself towards forward-looking topics in the dynamic retail real estate world. However, the key factor that determines one’s own success and that of the industry is passion for the industry.

Developers have increasingly turned their attention to mixed-use retail developments for their new construction projects and the redevelopment of urban areas. In the post-pandemic era, consumers are looking for diverse work, leisure, and shopping places. Mixed-use, therefore, is not a trend – it is the future of real estate. The following projects are the finalists in the mixed-use category of the MIPIM Awards.

Redevco, SFP Group and SFP UK have signed a joint venture (JV) agreement to invest in the UK Build to Rent (BTR) real estate market over the next couple of years. The strategy will focus on repurposing existing underutilised commercial assets that offer the potential for transformative residential-led mixed-use projects that will positively impact local communities.

“In terms of energy management, technological applications will become a critical success factor when it comes to using lighting, cooling, and air conditioning efficiently and in a customer-oriented way,” states Silvio W. Kirchmair, CEO of umdasch The Store Makers and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

“While fear and worry try to constrict us, it should be courage that allows us to open up to new possibilities, that drives us and enables us to come up with new ideas and approaches”, states Thomas Mark, President of MK Illumination and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

“We believe in making the most of unused and underutilized spaces, ensuring that they can benefit and strengthen the entire fabric of the estate”, states Otto Ambagtsheer, CEO of VIA Outlets and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

“My recommendation is to seize any opportunity to take the next steps in digital evolution. For the placemaking industry, it is a transformation and not a situation where digital is outcompeting physical as many other industries have experienced”, states Peter Tonstad, CEO of Placewise Group and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

“The opportunities lie in the direct and sensual engagement of the customers, guests, and visitors via multifunctional spaces which do not just serve one particular purpose, but moreover offer a colorful range of themes, topics, and experiences related to the brand itself or beyond,” states Jonathan A. Calverley, Head of Retail Leasing at Art-Invest Real Estate Management.

“The revitalization of shopping centers, retail parks, and our city centers will become increasingly important. For many locations and properties, new retail and mixed-use concepts offer significant potential for enhancement”, states Angelus Bernreuther, Head of Investor Relationship Management at Kaufland.

“The forecast calls, such as a crystal ball reading, for bold personas that are willing to set a clear strategy and implement it even through stormy waters”, states Denis Cupic, Managing Partner at Redserve and F.O./Group.