Lausitz-Center is growing: former Karstadt building integrated

New life behind historical facade: ECE invested about four million euro in the expansion of the Lausitz-Center Hoyerswerda, which is managed by MEC METRO-ECE Centermanagement GmbH & Co. KG. However, the resources did not flow in the existing shopping center, but rather into the renovation and transformation of the former Karstadt outlet next door, which is now directly connected to the center.

The new leasing partners were welcomed yesterday at the official opening of the Lausitz-Center expansion. Amongst others, Aldi, Intersport, E-Plus, Ernsting’s Family and Backhaus moved into the 2,700 sqm selling space on the ground floor. The existing tenant Rossmann also moved in here, thereby doubling its space to a total of 800 sqm. The drugstore chain is vacating its space in the Lausitz-Center for the deco and furnishing expert Depot. Decisions regarding the utilisation of the first and second floors with their 8,000 sqm of floor space, will be made in the next months. "We have had various enquiries from traders and social institutions, with whom we are currently holding exploratory talks. But so far nothing is definite yet," explains Center Manager Dieter Henke.

Construction works taking into account heritage protection issues

The Karstadt building, which was abandoned in 2007, still housed a bargain shop up to the final vacancy in 2011. The shopping center operator ECE bought the property last February. Shortly afterwards, construction started and lasted nine months. The interior decoration of the newly created mall on the ground floor is modern. The facade has been kept historical, in accordance with the specifications of monument protection.

Access to the new shopping street is possible via three different entry points: In addition to the entry points at Lausitzer Platz and Bautzener Allee, there is also a direct passage from the Lausitz Center.