A refurbishment, a completely new complex or a combination of living and shopping. All possibilities for the Emmer shopping complex on Mondriaanplein are possible.
It offers visitors to the shopping center a less lively appearance. Anyone who takes a tour of the shopping complex and retail spaces on the Dalipassage, Kleepassage and Mondriaanplein can hardly miss the vacancy.
Synvest, owner of the lion’s share of the real estate in this part of the shopping center, is currently considering several scenarios for the future. Real estate manager Intercity Management, who acts as a point of contact on behalf of Synvest, says that hopefully a decision can be made this year.
Multiple scenarios
“We are currently exploring several scenarios,” says Bep van der Molen of Intercity Management. “That varies from a simple lick of paint to, in the most extreme case, demolition and new construction. We calculate everything and also involve the municipality of Emmen in all options.”
For the time being, the aim remains to keep the environment tidy for the current tenants. The total retail area is approximately 7,000 square meters. More than 4,000 of these are currently vacant. Keeping this place going as a retail location turns out to be a tough job. Large, national chains do not stand in line, says Van der Molen. “We mainly see them leaving from a place like Emmen.” Moreover, corona has forced the market to be cautious in recent years.
No longer filled in with only shops
Right next to the shopping complex, the former tax office is currently being converted into housing. Such an option should also be considered, says Van der Molen. “You can think of a combination of shops below and homes above.”
Emmen is committed to reducing the number of retail space in the core shopping area. The point is, however, that in this respect, the focus is mainly on peripheral locations. The complex on Mondriaanplein is located right in the center. “But you can no longer fill it with just shops. In addition, there is also a lot of basement space and floor meters in the building. You will really have to do something different with that.”
living
For housing, a zoning plan change is necessary and that is where the municipality comes into play. “Our impression is that the municipality has assumed that the location will be full of shops again. As long as the property owner does his best.” According to Van der Molen, it has also become clear to the municipality that this part of the shopping center must be viewed from a different perspective.
Synvest will not implement a possible plan for redevelopment involving demolition and new construction. In that case, the real estate is sold to a new party with a plan.