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reimagined The Playce’s retail and leisure offer. designed to engage the community,” Wambach comments.
MIXED-USE PROFILE - POTSDAMER PLATZ
Bringing
Communities
Together
A global leader in developing active, engaging urban spaces
that enhance city life, Brookfield Properties specialise
in creating mixed-use destinations that blend stunning
architecture with unique retail, dining and entertainment
offerings, encouraging new visitors and tenants to return
time and again. Here, RLI meets up with Karl L. Wambach,
President of Brookfield Properties in Europe to discuss
one of the company’s recent key project completions, the
Potsdamer Platz scheme in Berlin, Germany.
32 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025
Their estate encompasses 17 buildings across 270,000sq m
An imperative consideration in all of Brookfield’s projects is
of office, retail and residential spaces and they have invested sustainability and in this regard Potsdamer Platz had a foot up on the
over €200M in renovations across the development. The idea competition, having been designed to the best standards at the time of
throughout the redevelopment work has been on transforming conception, it continues to far outperform modern requirements.
the area into a pedestrian-friendly urban centre, emphasising These designs included integrated solar shading systems and natural
sustainability, accessibility and enhanced ventilation to reduce energy consumption and
public spaces with green areas and onsite water management to handle rainwater
curated arts and culture activations. efficiently. They have also implemented energy-
They have also completed the OUR KEY DIFFERENTIATOR IS saving programs, switched to low-emission LED
renovation of Potsdamer Platz Arkaden, OUR UNWAVERING FOCUS ON lighting and upgraded the building management
now rebranded as The Playce, from a PLACEMAKING AND CREATING system for improved energy control.
SPACES THAT PEOPLE
traditional mall into a modern urban GENUINELY ENJOY – WE ARE As our time with Karl beings to run short, we
space with a curated offering. PARTICULARLY ATTUNED TO ask him about Brookfield’s wider development
“We have taken a strategic approach YOUTH CULTURE AND THE portfolio and what else is in the pipeline.
to ensure that Potsdamer Platz has all DESIRE FOR ‘THIRD SPACES’.” “We are actively exploring growth
the ingredients needed for a true live- Karl L. Wambach opportunities where we can leverage our
work-play environment. It has over 300 President of Brookfield Properties Europe expertise in creating vibrant, community-
homes accommodating 700 residents focused spaces that blend residential, retail and
and it is the base for over 150 national leisure offerings. With any place we invest in, it is
and international companies spanning tech, finance, hospitality important for us to build communities that link back to the ecosystem of
and creative industries,” highlights Wambach. occupiers, whether it be food vendors that complement the experiential
At The Playce in Potsdamer Platz, the company has curated activities or retail that offers more than just a place for commerce.”
an exciting blend of retail, dining and entertainment options www.brookfieldproperties.com
designed to engage with youth culture and the social media
generation.
Every retailer on site was carefully chosen to foster a
community spirit and create moments of joy. Recently
welcomed to the project was EL&N, renowned as the ‘Most
Instagrammable Café’, with its signature pink aesthetic and
chic interiors that elevate everyday moments into shareable
experiences.
Other tenants include The Streets, a creative clothing outlet that
caters to the fashion-forward youth, the Upside Down Museum,
where visitors can immerse themselves in wacky, gravity-defying
installations perfect for fun memories and quirky content for
social feeds. As for evening entertainment, there is Lane7 with its
first site outside of the UK offering a fusion of boutique bowling
and vintage arcade machines. They are situated alongside The
ith an approach that goes beyond that of a typical Alchemist, an award-winning cocktail bar known for its theatrical
Wcommercial landlord – Brookfield Properties prioritise style of making and delivering drinks. Visitors can also enjoy a
holistic, long-term stewardship of properties. This is exemplified
unique shopping experience at the largest European NBA store
perfectly by their transformation of Potsdamer Platz in Berlin, and the Peek & Cloppenburg Conscious Fashion Store, one of the
where they have created a unique destination after taking over
largest sustainable department stores globally.
management of the estate in 2016.
“Our key differentiator is our unwavering focus on
When plans for rebuilding Potsdamer Platz were drawn up
in the 1990s, it was seen as a once in a lifetime opportunity placemaking and creating spaces that people genuinely enjoy –
we are particularly attuned to youth culture and the desire for
to contribute to re-establishing one of the world’s great cities. ‘third spaces’. Tenants such as Burgermeister, Caffè e Gelato,
This redevelopment meant that when Brookfield Properties NBA, The Alchemist and Lane7 exemplify our commitment
came on-board in 2016 there was already a fantastic structure to meeting the growing German interest in experiential food
in place, both in its world-class design and architecture and its services and retail,” Wambach identifies.
The site also hosts major cultural events such as the Berlinale,
mix of programming with elevated residences, headquarters of
global businesses and flagship hotels. recognised as one of the ‘big three’ film festivals in Europe
“Our investment in the area allowed us to build on this alongside Cannes and Venice. They also have dedicated space
legacy and take it further,” explains Karl L. Wambach, President for public art installations and exhibitions.
“The Playce has been thoughtfully designed not merely as another
of Brookfield Properties in Europe. “Unlike any other place shopping destination but rather as an inclusive town centre. We have
in Germany, we wanted to create a destination that acts as
a magnet for world-class retail, F&B and leisure providers, pedestrianised the main street, improving accessibility and walkability
cementing the sites status as a culturally relevant place for both in an area once dominated by traffic. Our team on the ground
Berliners and international visitors.” continuously adapt offerings based on feedback from the community
Following a varied history, Brookfield’s transformation of and we have curated a healthy mix of global and local brands and
the Potsdamer Platz site has focused on further future-proofing great culinary options that cater to all tastes and preferences. We
the development. They have also reconfigured the public have also established a year-round program of activities such as a
realm, enhanced the building’s sustainability performance and running club, a Noon Years Day balloon drop and a wellness hub, all Pictures: Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany.
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