Förde Park is going to be modernised

The plan is to modernise the retail park Förde Park Flensburg and expand the selling space moderately by approx. 4,500 m² within 18 months starting in spring 2016. The center owner, Union Investment Real Estate, is providing the €20 million required for the revitalisation. This measure could lead to the creation of up to 300 new jobs and training positions. The retail park, which was established 20 years ago and is successful in its location at the southern edge of Flensburg, provides many people in the region with items in particular for covering their daily needs. Additionally, many Danish consumers also appreciate and take advantage of the offerings of Förde Park.

The revitalisation of Förde Park is necessary, as the consumer expectations and demands to the retail and wholesale trade have changed a lot. The retailers have to address these increased demands, in order to remain competitive. Förde Park has to also accommodate for the customer demands and thus requires additional space, in order to be able to offer the industry and tenant mix desired by the consumers. Moreover, the consumers expect an appealing and modern appearance.

Close collaboration with the municipal administration

The necessary measures for the revitalisation of the center and the comprehensive changes in the tenant structure were compiled over the past 18 months in collaboration with representatives of the municipal administration and the expert committee over the course of several workshops. Measures were also developed in the process, in order to interlink the various and complementary components of the tripole concept – Förde Park, city centre and Citti Park – and to use synergies. "The workshops were very good and helpful, in order to develop a good concept for all three trade and retail locations," says Jörg Wege, Head of Strategic Development M & A at MEC METRO-ECE Centermanagement, and adds: "The open discussions in the meetings with the council factions were very constructive and useful." MEC is the operating company of Förde Park.

Closing of ranks with the city centre projected

One aim of the modernisation of Förde Park is to attract more Danish customers, from which e.g. the city centre can also profit. For this reason, it is planned to accommodate a Tourist Information point for the city after modernisation, and in addition, a free shuttle bus is to connect the center with Flensburg city centre. Both measures serve the strengthening of Flensburg as a shopping location. The agreeability of the entire revitalisation project was examined and confirmed in the meantime by BBE Handelsberatung on behalf of the City of Flensburg on the basis of the tripole concept.

20 successful years shall be continued

Union Investment Real Estate as property owner will finance the revitalisation. "We want to make this outstanding retail park fit for the future with this convincing concept," explains the Asset Manager at Union Investment, Simon Splittgerber. "We emphatically support this measure, as we want to continue the success story of this trade and retail location through modernisation," adds Dr Michael Hartung, Regional Director Germany of METRO PROPERTIES. METRO PROPERTIES is the primary tenant of Förde Park.

The design of Förde Park will be thoroughly overhauled as part of the revitalisation. The facade will be changed to match a local design topic. The aim is to make the identity of the new Förde Park visible to the outside, whilst keeping it harmonious with the interior design. First drafts already exist, though the overall concept will be introduced at a later date.