EEC Edingen-Neckarhäuser Einkauf Center reopens after renovation work

After comprehensive renovation work, the new EEC Edingen-Neckarhäuser Einkauf Center opens on 10 November with around 17 shops, cafés and restaurants over a lettable area of 17,000 m2. Work has been under way since February 2016 to convert the shopping centre, owned by METRO PROPERTIES, into a modern retail park in a project costing around €16 million. The new centre even has a new name, the EEC Edingen-Neckarhäuser Einkauf Center. This represents another successfully completed property project for the internationally active METRO PROPERTIES, following the opening of the Duckwitz EDU retail park in Bremen, winner of the 2016 Fachmarktstar award, in the spring of this year.

Real, Adler, Siemes Schuhcenter, Takko Fashion, Fressnapf and other companies will all have stores in the new speciality centre. Customers are offered a new shopping experience in a modern setting, with an expanded product range and strong brands. In addition to the modernisation of the Real hypermarket and the strengthening of the presence of fashion/textiles outlets, the range of food and drink on offer has also increased at the centre.

"A new look, great offers and a pleasant shopping experience – we understand what the customer wants, are able to implement this and create more customer value," says Jean-Christophe Bretxa, Chairman of the General Management of METRO PROPERTIES. "The new services, cafés and restaurants invite customers to come and spend time here. With the EEC Edingen-Neckarhäuser Einkauf Center, we have created an attractive and inviting shopping centre for the citizens of the Rhine-Neckar region."

Wide range of products for the Rhine-Neckar region

The shopping centre, which is conveniently located in the Rhine-Neckar region between Mannheim and Heidelberg, had seen better days. Both its image and its product range were no longer in keeping with the times, and the centre needed both to be repositioned and expanded. As the owner of the property, METRO PROPERTIES was responsible for the project development and management of the construction. The owner is also responsible for managing the centre and letting.

Thanks to its very good accessibility, the new EEC offers an excellent local shopping service. The short distances and resulting reduction in time needed to get around make shopping pleasant for all customers. Around 500 free, wider parking spaces, a sufficient number of bicycle stands and covered walkways add to the level of comfort enjoyed.

The Adler fashion store, which had been there before the renovations, is now complemented by Siemes Schuhcenter shoe store and Takko Fashion, which also appeal to younger customers. Other tenants include Real, Rossmann, Fressnapf and a branch of the Görtz bakery from Ludwigshafen. Hairdressers, travel agents, florists and a filling station round off the services on offer.

"The EEC Edingen Neckarhäuser Einkauf Center is another milestone for METRO PROPERTIES in 2016," says Christian Mielke, Regional Director Germany of METRO PROPERTIES. "As a project developer, we create an attractive shopping experience for customers looking to purchase goods and services for their everyday needs. Working in partnership with Real, we were able to realise this challenging project in a short period of time."

Comprehensive modernisation and expansion

Modernisation and expansion work began on the property in February 2016. Shops remained open while the conversion work was being carried out. While redesigning the EEC, particular attention was paid to creating an architectural look with a high recognition value. As a result, two generous and architecturally impressive entrances with porches were created.

When designing the façade, emphasis was placed on showcasing regional attachment. The winegrowing culture is reflected in the design of the façades. Elements of winegrowing and images of grapevines were integrated into the decor. Even the lighting in the mall creates an impression of hanging grapevines. The new lighting concept and the choice of natural motifs and materials, such as wood and shell limestone, create a warm and pleasant environment that makes shoppers feel good.

Moreover, when redesigning the shopping centre, METRO PROPERTIES put a great emphasis on sustainability. The entire building is fitted with energy-efficient LED lighting, and two e-charging stations for cars will be taken into service in the coming weeks. The building will soon receive its BREEAM certification.

Further information, pictures and video about the project can be found here.