Future of the Kaufhof: Investor wanted for new usage concept!

Future of the Kaufhof: Investor wanted for new usage concept!

Nine months after the closure of Galeria Kaufhof, the building in Siegburg is still a topic of concern. While the reopened parking garage provides some vitality to the surrounding area, the department store itself remains largely unused. Recent discussions in the economic development committee, led by Martin Altmann and Constantin Diete from the consulting firm Dress und Sommer, now show possible perspectives on how to deal with this challenging property, which belongs to a fund from the USA.

Dress and Sommer's feasibility study suggests various possible uses, with retail on the ground floor with shops ranging from 800 to 2500 square meters could play a central role. However, it remains questionable whether this could be implemented on all upper floors, as the study authors note that it would not make much sense there.

User-friendly concepts

There seem to be different opinions, particularly with regard to the current vacancy situation in downtown Siegburg. Diete notes that the Kaufhof building is located in an area that is heavily frequented by pedestrians and that there is little vacancy in the area. However, this assessment was questioned by Thomas Obst (FDP), who believes a more comprehensive analysis of the situation is necessary.

The consultants emphasized that their task was to find suitable uses that promise success on the market. This approach is supported by our own observations and information from the city's economic development department. Martin Altmann was of the opinion that external factors, such as the adjacent Aldi in Kaiser-Carré, put pressure on possible retail uses.

A central point of the feasibility study is the redesign of the Kaufhof building. The slim concrete building should not remain in its classic form. Consideration is being given to integrating an inner courtyard into the building, which will grow larger from the second floor upwards. This would be similar to the existing Kaiser-Carré, where commercial spaces and apartments surround a U-shaped courtyard. Such a design could serve as inspiration and provide an attractive solution.

Diverse usage options

Consideration of what types of housing could be created is also important. Units of 45 to 80 square meters are conceivable, which could serve small households, students or nursing staff. In addition, a nursing facility with twelve places could be built on the site of the department store. The integration of a fitness studio on the first floor would enable synergies between living and retail. Office space on the upper floors is also an option.

During the conversation it became clear that the possibility of a roof garden on the Kaufhof parking garage was also being considered. The prerequisite for this would be a decrease in the need for parking spaces. This could possibly be done by converting and changing the use of the Kaufhof and offering a new incentive for local residents.

The consultants have not yet specified the financial requirements for potential investors, but they signal that they will face significant investment costs. A key point will be the redesign of the massive facades to allow more light to enter and improve the building aesthetics.

Dieter Thiel from the Green Party also commented on this, addressing the Kaufhof's challenging structure and emphasizing the need for a light space inside. Ole Erdmann, head of the Office for the Environment and Economy, added that relocating building technology to the upper floors represents a challenge that must be taken into account in the planning. He pointed out that the example of a converted Hertie department store in Herne shows that such changes are possible, but remain closely linked to the expectations and investments of prospective investors.

For further information regarding current developments and discussions surrounding the Kaufhof in Siegburg, take a look at the reporting from www.ksta.de advisable.