The clue is the mix. Multifunctional re-uses in former retail real estate properties

Abstract

In view of the increasing sales dynamics in online retail, city centres and retail properties are currently undergoing profound changes in their use. Stationary retail is reducing its demand for space, department stores are closing, shopping centres are losing their tenants – the functions within the city centres are being re-mixed. The retraction of retail stores from city centres offers the opportunity for other uses: living, offices, leisure and culture or hotels. Over the last 25 years, Germany has had extensive experience regarding the conversion of former department store properties. The buildings are being less frequently re-used as pure shopping destinations. Instead, hybrid, multifunctional re-uses are increasing, especially since 2015. Redevelopment for new uses is time-consuming and technically complex, but generally feasible in the existing buildings. It extends the period of use of the properties through sustainable re-use. The experience gained from the redevelopment of abandoned department stores in Germany can be of value to other countries that are confronted with department store closures (United Kingdom, Netherlands) and can even be used for the redevelopment of shopping malls.