Sonae Sierra, in a joint-venture with MAB Development, has just announced the opening date for the Hofgarten Solingen on October 24th. Located in the heart of Solingen (Germany), the new shopping centre represents a €120 million investment and currently over two thirds of the gross lettable area (GLA) are already let, which confirms the leasing success of the shopping centre under construction.
The Hofgarten Solingen provides space for around 75 shops in 29,000 m2 of GLA covering three levels and offers about 600 parking spaces.
The future shopping has already a wide variety and attractive tenant mix which stands out the presence of several important brands and large stores, such as the internationally renowned H&M, as well as Edeka and Spiele Max - important references in the German market, to join around 13 gastronomy units that will be located in the lit and airy food court.
According to Fernando Guedes de Oliveira, Sonae Sierra's CEO, "this is another important milestone to Sonae Sierra's sustainable growth in the German market, where we already own two shopping centres and manage a total of four. The quality and relevance of this project to the city of Solingen reflect the leasing success and ensure that Hofgarten Solingen will be a reference shopping and leisure destination in the region".
Modern architecture follows the theme industry - fashion - nature
The modern and open architecture follows the central theme "Industry - Fashion - Nature". The key ideas refer to local features in Solingen like its tradition as an industrial town and at the same time as a location in the green Bergisches Land, in central-western Germany. The subject of industry is taken up inside the centre as a design element and also prominently displayed on the façade: A large metal scarf wraps around the entire building. The external design also makes reference to nature and envisages a large green wall next to the main entrance, amongst other decor. The interior also features design elements taking inspiration from nature and gardens which ensure many areas function as an oasis of comfort and create a high-quality space. For example, the large food court area will resemble a green garden.
A sustainable centre
Sustainability is a central criterion when developing the Hofgarten Solingen and will also play an important role in the operational phase. A rigorous management and monitoring system brings together a set of measures with the purpose of diminishing the environmental impact, besides ensuring the safety and health of employees and visitors. Sustainability during construction and operation of the Hofgarten Solingen will actively contribute to greater cost efficiency and savings through lifetime operations of the centre with efficient use of energy resources.
Sonae Sierra will manage over 180,000 m2 of GLA in Germany
Sonae Sierra already has a consolidated position in Germany where after the inauguration of Hofgarten Solingen will manage over 180,000 m2 of GLA.
In this country, the company owns two shopping centres: Alexa, in Berlin, and Loop5, in Weiterstadt, and manages a total of four.
Alexa shopping centre has 56,559 m² GLA, 185 shops, 1,600 parking places for a catchment area of 1.8 million inhabitants; Loop5 has 175 shops on 56,500 m2 GLA and 3,000 parking places that serve an area with over 1 million consumers.
