The Clees Group of Companies has officially commenced construction work on the City Outlet Wuppertal. Preparatory construction work has been underway since July. Now it is to continue rapidly at the centrally located Döppersberg, in the district Elbersfeld. Alexander Clees, project manager of the Clees Group, explains: "All constructional questioins  have been clarified  and the letting of the location is in full swing. The revitalisation measures in the Federal Railway Directorate can now begin step-by-step:"The upgrading of the property to an inner-city outlet has begun.
The City Outlet Wuppertal will be developed in a total of three construction phases. In the first phase of construction, the former Federal Railway Directorate, will comprise approx. 10,000 m² of retail space with up to 65 shops. The opening is planned for the second half of 2018. A development plan for the second and third construction phase is currently being developed with public participation. The construction project is expected to have around 30,000 sqm of retail space after completion of all phases of construction and will be completed in 2020.   

Listed building can be rediscovered through modern retail architecture

In recent months, numerous detailed questions have been clarified for the first construction phase. The optimal integration of the historical building fabric was a challenge to which all project participants contributed intensively. The result is a successful synthesis of history and modernity, which has been developed by the internationally recognised architectural firm ATP Frankfurt in close cooperation with the city of Wuppertal's Historic Monuments Conservation Department. ATP has already been awarded numerous national and international property prizes, which particularly emphasize the integration of real estate in harmony with the environment and people.
Georg Rosen, head of the Architecture Group at ATP Frankfurt emphasises the high standards of the project: "The City Outlet Wuppertal is a unique construction project. We are very proud that we were able to develop an innovative concept for this very beautiful listed property together with all those involved in the project. This is a milestone for the urban development of Wuppertal and creates a new attraction at the Döppersberg for the Wuppertal residents and visitors from the region, from which the entire city centre will benefit. The architectural concept has the necessary value and attractiveness to do justice to the property and the location." 
The Federal Railway Directorate, built in 1875, is the starting point and heart of the new City Outlet and is now undergoing a reconstruction. The characteristic architecture of the building will be retained in the course of modernization.

National & international designer and fashion brands in the focus of rental.

Thomas Reichenauer, Managing Director of ROS Retail Outlet Shopping, is responsible for the letting and subsequent operation of the outlet:"The many new brands we have been able to acquire for the City Outlet so far, will enrich the shopping facilities in Wuppertal in the long term. in connection with the inner-city location in a city centre the City Outlet stands for the premium claim of a designer outlet . Our brand partners appreciate that."
ROS Retail Outlet Shopping is one of the top 10 European outlet operators. The large rental portfolio provides excellent access to leading german and international designer and fashion brands. ROS will present the City Outlet Wuppertal from 15th to 17th November at the leading trade fair for retail real estate, MAPIC, in Cannes, France, along with other outlet projects in Germany, Hungary, Croatia, Croatia, France, Portugal and Poland. More than 2,000 decision-makers from the retail sector who are responsible for the expansion, will be present there. Thomas Reichenauer adds:"With the City Outlet Wuppertal, we are offering a highly attractive and innovative outlet concept in an inner-city location in one of the strongest metropolitan areas in Europe with a catchment area of 20 million inhabitants. With this offer, we are a sought-after interlocutor and attract great international interest."

On 22nd December 2016, the Clees company group received the building permit for the first construction phase of the City Outlet Wuppertal. This positive news put the start of the city outlet within reach. The first construction phase, the former federal railway directorate will include approx. 10,000 m² rental area with up to 65 shops. The opening is planned for 2018.

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Important hurdle taken

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Alexander Clees, project manager of the Clees Company Group: "We are very pleased with this good and important news. This represents a significant step in the realisation of the leading German City Outlet in Wuppertal. The city of Wuppertal supports our project very constructively. As an investor, we will implement all the requirements with the same professionalism that is presented to us. "Johannes Slawig, City Director of Wuppertal:" The city of Wuppertal is making a strong contribution to the City Outlet Wuppertal. There is no doubt about this. In this respect I am very pleased that the building project has taken such an important hurdle. We will continue the good cooperation with the investor and all those involved in planning. "

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City Outlet integrates historical architecture

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Built in 1875, the building "Bundesbahndirektion" is the heart of the new City Outlet Wuppertal. For more than 140 years, the Federal Railway Directorate has shaped the cityscape of Wuppertal and is a protected monument. The characteristic architecture of the property will be maintained in the course of modernisation. The building is to be carefully revitalised and prepared for the new retail. 

The tradition of the "Bundesbahndirektion"will also be accessible to visitors after its transformation into a modern commercial property. Even in the newly renovated inner courtyards, the historical supports are largely preserved and the prominent ceiling supports and the floor coverings allow the course of the original walls to be visible.

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Construction starts in 2017

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Construction of the first construction phase is expected to start in the first quarter of the coming year. Alexander Clees: "With this building permit, our timetable has become more concrete. In the construction planning procedure for the remaining two construction sections, we are working in close dialogue with the city, the public and the local retail. We are very confident to achieve good results in the coming months. "

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The closer the realisation date, the greater the interest of potential tenants from the retail trade. Thomas Reichenauer, Managing Director of ROS Retail Outlet Shopping GmbH, the future Centre Management of the City Outlet Wuppertal, said: "The letting meetings with national and international fashion and lifestyle brands reflect the fact that we have a very good location package: the unique architecture of the outlet, Its unique inner-city connection as well as the attractiveness of the centre of Wuppertal are convincing arguments. We are on the right track not only from the construction side, but also in marketing. "

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The City Outlet Wuppertal will be developed in a total of three construction phases. For the second and third construction phase, a development plan is being developed with public participation. After completion of all construction phases, the construction project will have about 30,000 m² of rental space and will be fully completed by 2020.

When the collection of Parisian designer Isabel Marant entered the stores this week, many thought of a April Fool's joke. But it is July. And Madame Marant does not want to forgive anybody with her "Wuppertal" prints on knitted hats. The looks of the Etoile collection line are a tribute to Pina Bausch, who was celebrated worldwide with her Wuppertal dance theater. In 1977 her modern dance "Komm tanz mit mir" became a gigantic success. Now, the cableway city has an international fashion moment through Marant's love for Bausch and knitted hats. Wuppertal, you rock!