The topping out ceremony was held on June 24th at the construction site of Galeria Andrychów – the largest retail park in the region and one of major retail developments currently under construction in Poland. The event was attended by local authorities, investors - Acteeum Group and Equilis Europe, as well as retailers and business partners.
The topping out ceremony of Galeria Andrychów was preceded by the signing of a symbolic foundation act by: Tomasz Żak, mayor of Andrychów, Monika Woźniak-Zawioła, Head of Retail at Equilis Europe, Tomasz Szewczyk, Managing Partner at Acteeum Group, and Joanna Makowiecka-Gatza, President of the Management Board at Karmar S.A.
“Today's ceremony is a clear sign that the construction works are bringing us closer to the grand opening of the most attractive shopping destination for the residents of Andrychów and its surrounding area. Thanks to the determination and the efficient cooperation between partners, the unique circumstances have not delayed the investment process. Galeria Andrychów is quickly taking shape and we are looking forward to welcoming the first customers this fall,” said Monika Woźniak-Zawioła, Head of Retail at Equilis Europe.
The new retail park will accommodate over thirty stores with a total GLA of nearly 24,000 sq m, including Lidl, Leroy Merlin, CCC, SMYK, Rossmann, Media Expert, Martes Sport, Jysk, KiK, Sinsay, House, Cropp, Deichmann, Diverse, Pepco, Dealz, Hebe and Komfort.
“We would like to thank the authorities of Andrychów for collaboration, and all involved companies for their efficient work. This investment is important to the local community as it will gain convenient access to popular brands without having to travel to other cities. Progress in construction works goes hand in hand with the dynamic pace of commercialization. Galeria Andrychów is practically fully leased a few months prior to planned opening,” adds Tomasz Szewczyk, Managing Partner at Acteeum Group.
The general contractor, Karmar S.A. began construction last October. Works are progressing in full swing at the intersection of Krakowska, Biała Droga and Przemysłowa streets in the vicinity of the planned Bielsko-Biała-Głogoczów bypass. The 10-hectare site will also provide 650 parking spaces.
"It is a privilege to contribute to the long-awaited development here in Andrychów, which is also our second project for Equilis and Acteeum, after Galeria Chełm. In this difficult period, we are creating a unique place that will provide employment and promote local economic growth. As the general contractor, we will make every effort to ensure that Galeria Andrychów is built on schedule and in-line with the highest expectations regarding the quality of workmanship, sustainability, and care for the community," – comments Joanna Makowiecka-Gatza, President of the Management Board at Karmar S.A.
Galeria Andrychów is undergoing the BREEAM sustainable certification that indicates it meets the highest environmental standards. The three buildings designed by the NC Architekci will use technical solutions to lower electricity and water consumption and reduce emissions of air pollutants. Already at the construction stage, the contractor selects certified building materials and takes care of proper sorting, storage, and disposal of waste.
