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Together with KGAL Investment Management, Areal Consulting GmbH (AREAL) is driving forward the revitalisation and repositioning of a large-scale KGAL retail property in the Westfalen Einkaufszentrum (WEZ) in Dortmund. The basis of the project development is, among other things, a comprehensive feasibility study of the AREAL. For a sales area of around 5,000 m² formerly used as a furniture store, both partners have developed a sustainable conversion concept.
The aim of the project development is to fundamentally rethink the structural and functional framework conditions and to position the property sustainably in the market again. "We are pleased to have found a creative partner in AREAL who can effectively implement ideas and find architecturally and functionally sustainable solutions. The reorganisation of the centre will help us to continue to find strong tenants for the lively location in the future," says Ferdinand Geiger, Head of the Technics & Specialists department at KGAL.
As part of a feasibility study, AREAL analysed different usage and development scenarios as well as their structural, economic and functional feasibility. The concept developed from this provides for the division of the previous large area into several units that can be used independently. The sales room, which used to extend over two levels and has generous airspace, will be closed so that the ground floor and upper floor can be accessed separately and rented out independently of each other in the future. The new structure allows for significantly more flexible floor plans and opens up perspectives for different retail, service or leisure uses.
"Especially in the case of large-scale retail properties in existing buildings, a well-founded feasibility study is decisive for the success of the project. Our goal was to further develop the existing structures in such a way that flexible, marketable space is created that works in the long term – both structurally and economically," says Sylvia Wannagat, Düsseldorf branch manager at AREAL.
Another central component of the project development is the creation of a new passage on the ground floor. This connects the newly created areas directly to the existing retail areas in the southern part of the shopping centre. The improved routing optimises accessibility, strengthens customer frequency and integrates the revitalised area into the existing retail context of the WEZ.
The newly created ground floor space has already been successfully pre-let. With the Scandinavian retailer, an attractive, high-footfall tenant has been won that complements the range of products and services at the location in a meaningful way and appeals to other visitor groups.
The areas on the upper floor will remain independently usable and will be accessed exclusively via the north side of the area with its own parking situation and striking entrance design. They are currently still being marketed and offer interesting prospects for further retail, leisure or service concepts.
An important milestone in the project has already been reached: the building permit was issued at the end of last year. The project is thus in the implementation phase. Construction is scheduled to start shortly, with completion currently planned for the third quarter of 2026.
With the restructuring of the former furniture store area, AREAL is making a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the WEZ and creating the basis for long-term successful use in the urban retail environment.
