09.07.2014
Construction work on the new FORUM Shopping Centre in Poprad is in full swing. The opening of the complex is planned for the autumn of 2015. The project has a budget of just under EUR 50 million and its investors are Multi Development and GEMO HOLDING, a.s. a member of the GEMO Group. The general contractor is GEMO SLOVAKIA.
Following a long period during which citizens could only gaze sadly at the dilapidated former Prior department store building, the building was demolished and work began on the construction of the new centre. "The foundations have been partially laid and the bases of some structural elements are already in place. Subcontractors have been chosen for the individual parts of the project and our goal is to complete the building frame by the end of the year. If everything goes as planned, the building should be completed by the beginning of October 2015," says Ing. Bohumil Mach, CEO of GEMO OLOMOUC, spol. s r.o.
It is no secret that construction was not commenced until a high percentage of the rental units had been leased and agreements had been signed with prominent international retailers. In addition to the Tesco supermarket, other confirmed shops include H&M, C&A, New Yorker, Reserved, Cropp, House, Mohito, Sinsay, Lindex, Intersport, A3 Sport, Baťa, Reno, John Garfield, DM Drogerie, Martinus, Planeo Elektro, Dráčik, Salomon, Fann and many more. The centre will also feature a pharmacy, a variety of restaurants, cafés and other services, including a pleasant children’s playroom. Today, with around 70% of the centre premises leased, construction works are under way to meet the anticipated opening date in October 2015.
"Development in the current economic environment is not easy. We at Multi think – and fortunately it is clear that we are not alone – that Forum Poprad has the necessary qualities to become a meaningful and solid project, while also being a highly sophisticated addition to the city centre. Moreover, we feel an obligation to the city and to its citizens for the patience they have had with us over the past few years," says Luboš Kočí, Director of Multi Development.
Forum Poprad on St Giles Square is a modern urban centre built on a slope. Its three storeys make use of the sloping terrain to create a natural connection between the interior and exterior. The centre offers over 100 shops on a floor area of approx 23,000 m2. Cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating provide views of the High Tatra Mountains. The L-shaped building is also a pleasant quiet green zone for relaxation. Parking facilities provide around 450 spaces, mainly on the roof of the building.
"The new centre will also provide new job opportunities for local residents. Up to 400 people will be hired to staff the shops and to operate the centre. Other jobs will be created indirectly by suppliers, service providers and other organisations. I trust that Forum Poprad will be a real benefit to the residents of the city and the region," says Jaromír Uhýrek, Director of GEMO HOLDING, a.s., a member of the GEMO Group.
Olomouc, 9 July 2014
