The Katowice new scheme of Echo Investment will cost approximately PLN 240 million. The 42 000 sq. meters retail, leisure and entertainment facility is scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2017. According to the developer, the project will be a good example of changing trends in the retail sector as customers want more than yet another shopping center.
Before the company made a decision about the investment implementation, they had decided to conduct several researches including a public opinion survey prepared by GfK Polonia. Echo points out three factors which was decisive for this project.
„The south of Katowice is one of only few places in Poland of such a low level of saturation of the retail space. There are only 224 sq. meters of retail area per one thousand inhabitants. For example, in the northern part of the city – where Silesia City Center, Galeria Katowicka and 3 Stawy are located – this number amounts to 1 290 sq. meters per one thousand citizens” – explained Marcin Materny, head of the shopping centers department at Echo Investment.
The second factor is the high purchasing power of the local inhabitants – 121% of the country’s average. Also, the company estimated that the catchment area will total about 520 000 people. The number can be even increased as many new housing projects are being erected in the southern part of the city, the developer estimates.
„We want the new mall to be adapted to preferences of the local people in the most possible way. The function of shopping centers and customers needs are changing. Thereby, almost 30% of the rentable area will be destined for purposes of non-retail tenants” – Marcin Materny said during the project presentation on Tuesday. The two first storeys will be occupied by retail units, the top floor is dedicated for leisure and entertainment services as well as for medical center (1 140 sq. meters).
The entertainment area will include the 7-screen Helios cinema of 3 900 sq. meters, large fitness center (1 240 sq. meters), snooker club and bowling hall, squash and badminton rooms, kids play. A skatepark and an ice rink (during winter) will be situated outside the main entrance. A five-storey car park for 1 540 vehicles, fuel station and a car wash will be put at customers disposal.
About 40% of the gross leasable are will be destined for fashion brands. The gastronomy and entertainment area will cover 3 000 and 6 500 sq. meters respectively. 2 000 sq. meters was reserved for a supermarket. 3 200 sq. meters will be dedicated for sport and leisure activities.
To provide an easy and fast access to main units, the supermarket and medical center will be placed close to the exit from the car park. Additionally, tenants offering similar goods or services will be clustered in one location to allow buyers for more convenient shopping. Anchor tenants will be situated close to the entrances for fast access or receipt of products purchased online.
By now, the only confirmed tenant is Helios. The remaining area is now being offered to potential lessors.
The shopping center will be located at the junction of Kościuszki and Kolejowa streets and to be the part of Sub Center South. The building was designed by Mofo Architekci from Kraków.
