The project expanded the existing mall by 21,000 sq m in two stages while remaining open for business. The existing scheme was also completely revitalized. The new Fischapark now hosts 120 stores with an attractive mix of top international brands and regional providers in the fields of fashion, beauty, art, sports, services, and catering on 42,800 sq m of GLA.
The revitalization and expansion of Fischapark, which first opened in 1996, began three years ago. The center’s ongoing operation was never suspended during this time. The project was carried out in two stages on the building’s existing footprint. New retail space was created in place of the old parking deck, with parking placed in an underground garage and on the roof of the new building. A total of 1,800 free, extra-wide parking spaces is now available. They are accessible via the industrial district, Fischauergasse, and the Zehnergürtel. Phase I was completed in April of last year. The whole project was completed on October 16.
Shopping meets architecture
The new Fischapark’s contemporary architecture sets the tone for the appearance of its home quarter in Wiener Neustadt. The winner of the architectural competition was the architectural firm Haskoll from London. Thereafter, the winning proposal was completely revised under the aegis of SES and Architektur Consult ZT GmbH. In particular, they placed importance on optimal entrances and exits, generous parking facilities, and clear connections to the mall. Architect Hermann Eisenköck, CEO of Architektur Consult ZT GmbH, said: “Wide, two-story concourses connect spacious atria covered with substantial, mountain-like glass cubes. From these areas, the sales floors are connected to the parking levels via escalators, lifts, and stairs. The luminous, champagne gold facade provides a distinctive exterior appearance.”
The center is anchored by a brand new Interspar hypermarket, a super modern Hervis Sports, and a MediaMarkt, as well as large-area regional premier appearances by Peek & Cloppenburg and Zara. H&M, Hallhuber, Promod, Liebeskind, Bestseller group, and the Varner Group are also on board. The cosmetic range is expanded by a Kiko Milanoand and the first Douglas store in Wiener Neustadt. The entire range of current international fashion footwear is also represented, with a flagship Humanic store and Deichmann, among others.
Major international brands and regional providers have been enormously interested in being represented in Fischapark. There was massive demand for space, which could not even come close to being satisfied. The last contracts were signed in the summer of 2015. 90% of the space had already been let in the fall of 2014. Management’s credo during leasing was: quality, internationality, and regionality. “On the one hand, the shop mix is internationally oriented. At the same time, the location is very strongly anchored in the region,” SES CEO Marcus Wild emphasized.
