Akropolis: revitalisation with an eye to the future
The way to shoppers’ hearts is through their stomachs.
One strength of shopping centres that enjoy long-term success is their ability to develop into places for rest and relaxation. This ensures that they remain attractive to customers and tenants – and valuable for investors. High-quality dining and entertainment options are becoming increasingly important, as they improve the shopping experience, provide places to relax and serve as meeting points.
One example of just such a successful modernisation project is the Akropolis shopping centre, which opened in Kaunas, Lithuania, in 2007. To allow the shopping centre to safeguard its excellent city-centre location for the future, Deka Immobilien invested around EUR 10 million in extensively redesigning the roughly 10,000 sqm restaurant and entertainment area.
Work completed while the shopping centre was still open for business:
- Creation of a plaza with natural lighting
- Modern restoration of historical building sections and façades
- Emphasis placed on historical building structure
- Enhancement of the partially historical space thanks to contemporary interpretations of historical façades
- Creation of many visual spatial frames of reference (ceiling and wall openings)
- Connection of interior and exterior areas
- Multiple access to all areas on level 2
- High-end two-storey design of shop fronts
Results
The conversion of the old food service areas to an attractive food court was completed in just 15 months. At the end of 2019, the opening of the new food court was celebrated with an amazing light and sound show. Culinary diversity is assured by 13 new and trendy eateries and café concepts. The 1200-sqm, light-filled plaza is a key attraction and hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The redesign of the food and entertainment area has greatly enhanced the appeal of the shopping centre, which now draws in an increased number of visitors.