- High-end shopping mall, Westfield Overseas Quarter, unveils amidst impoverished suburbs
One Helluva Shopping and Dining Spree - Westfield Überseequartier is Back in Business
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Ready for some retail therapy? Stores, cinemas, and eats galore: the mega shopping center Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier is back and better than ever. The concept is innovative and international, said Mayor Tschentscher (SPD) in his speech. After the grand ceremony, the general public could head to the expansive location for some good ol' shopping or indulging. Hundreds eager folks were lined up behind the barriers.
"We're just itching to see what's inside," said Heidrun and Dieter Krabiell from the Lower Saxon town of Tostedt. The stores had some surprises in store for the opening. However, there are also some sections that won't open their doors until the coming weeks - such as the Lego Experience World.
Brace yourself for a "who's who" of retail
According to the operator Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), half of the brands and concepts showcased in the quarter are unheard of in Hamburg's city center. Seventy percent haven't even set shop in the Hanseatic city yet, including popular fashion stores like Breuninger, Stradivarius, Oysho, Karl Lagerfeld, and Luis Trenker, as well as the digital art center Port des Lumières. URW anticipates over 16 million visitors annually in the long run. The heart of the quarter on the Elbe is a pedestrian zone blanketed in glass.
Pop Divas on Deck!
Originally planned for the shopping center's opening in late April 2024, the British singer and actress Rita Ora was supposed to take the stage. Now, her performance is slated for June 21.
Following a hefty investment of more than 2.4 billion euros...
The Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier was built on a former industrial site. Construction snags led to multiple delays, and the costs kept climbing. URW recently put the total investments at 2.45 billion euros.
A tragic incident on the job site...
The company has faced criticism over working conditions on the construction site. In October 2023, five workers lost their lives when a scaffold crumbled into an elevator shaft. This unfortunate event was also honored at the opening ceremony with a memorial plaque by the water. "May they never be forgotten," it reads.
The IG Bau union took a stance...
Due to this incident, the IG Bau Hamburg union organized a protest on the sidelines of the opening ceremony under the slogan "Your Mall - Our Grave."
On the books...
Investigations into the 2023 tragedy are still ongoing, with the public prosecutor's office stating that the inquiry is being conducted on suspicion of negligent homicide, and the cause of the collapse, as well as potential responsibilities, are under investigation.
Ready for Takeoff: 170 shops, restaurants, and fun spots
The Westfield Überseequartier is set to span 419,000 square meters across 13 buildings. Also in the works are a cruise terminal, hotels, and offices, where development is still ongoing. A total of 170 retail, food, and entertainment spaces are planned, encompassing a whopping 94,000 square meters. According to URW, 95% are already rented out.
In the age of online shopping, urban planning professor Thomas Krüger, HafenCity University, is optimistic about the concept's success. He believes that the Überseequartier will blend shopping with experiences, diverse dining selections, and high-end accommodations, drawing different demographics with events. "The investor is introducing a completely new shopping and entertainment destination, deservedly unique in Europe, and coupled with a cruise terminal in HafenCity," he mused.
What's cooking in the city center?
There's plenty of chatter about the project's impact on Hamburg's city center. The Northern Retail Association expects increased competition. "The retail sector in Hamburg, particularly in the city, will have to fight tooth and nail to keep up with the large and irresistible allure of the new development," said Brigitte Nolte, CEO in Hamburg. However, the quarter is also seen as an opportunity for Hamburg's location, boasting a powerful pull effect and attracting countless visitors from the metropolitan region and beyond.
- Westfield
- Überseequartier
- Hamburg
- Dining
- Peter Tschentscher
- IG Bau
- Tostedt
- Karl Lagerfeld
- Luis Trenker
- Elbe
Notebook:
The opening of Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier could significantly impact Hamburg's city center, and the following factors are worth considering:
Positive Side:- Economic Growth: The new complex may drive tourism and act as an economic stimulant, upgrading Hamburg into a sought-after shopping and entertainment destination.[4][5]- Synergies: If the new quarter is smartly integrated with the existing city center, it can boost overall foot traffic, benefiting both areas.[4]- Modern Retail and Entertainment: Westfield brings fresh retail and entertainment options to the table, potentially drawing in visitors who might have overlooked Hamburg's city center previously, enhancing the overall shopping experience.[5]
Negative Impact:- Intensified Competition: The introduction of over 170 new shops and entertainment spots may create more competition for existing retail sites in the city center, potentially starving other areas of consumer spending.[5]- Local Businesses on Edge: Local business owners and organizations have raised concerns about the impact of increased competition on traditional retail and small businesses in the city center.[5]- Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Calls for the city to prioritize sustainability and social responsibility have surfaced, as the new development's emphasis on these values could set a positive example for other retail spaces.[4]
Mitigation Strategies:- Seamless Connection: Promoting a seamless link between Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier and the city center through targeted traffic and pedestrian connections may help alleviate negative impacts.[4]- Local Support: Encouraging niche markets and local brands in both areas could maintain a unique retail landscape and preserve the distinctive character of Hamburg's shopping scene.[4]- Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing eco-friendly infrastructure and green practices could assure both areas remain attractive and viable to the public.[4]
- EC countries' residents, particularly those from Lower Saxony's Tostedt, can now enjoy free movement of workers and services at the revamped Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, as the complex hosts an array of new retail, dining, and entertainment options.
- Despite the large number of stores and restaurants at the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, some sections remain in postponements, such as the Lego Experience World.
- The opening of the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier has sparked a lively discussion about its impact on Hamburg's city center. Whilst some argue it would bring increased competition for existing retail areas, others view it as an opportunity for the city, boasting a powerful pull effect and attracting visitors from the metropolitan region and beyond.
