Rhein-Ruhr-Zentrum: 180 million euros for the new shopping adventure!

Rhein-Ruhr-Zentrum: 180 million euros for the new shopping adventure!

The Rhein-Ruhr-Zentrum in Mülheim an der Ruhr is comprehensively redesigned, which already arouses great interest today. Opened in 1973, the shopping center is one of the first and most modern of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Eurofund Group, an international investment company, took over ownership in 2023 and is now planning a comprehensive transformation with Signal Capital Partners, which amounts to a total of 180 million euros. This corresponds to an ambitious project to convert the shopping center into a "shopping resort" to set new standards.

The extensions include two new anchor tenants: the drugstore chain Müller and the Supermarkt Kaufland. These branches are to be opened in the so -called “convenience hub” in the western part of the center in 2026. A special feature will be the indoor adventure playground "Adventica", which is expected to open its doors in the second quarter of 2025. This concept, which is introduced for the first time in Germany, comes from Lithuania and is intended to increase the attractiveness of the Center for Families.

comprehensive renovation plans for the shopping center

First insights into the comprehensive renovation plans were presented on July 24, 2023. The mayor of Mülheim, Marc Buchholz, and Frederik Schmelter, the center manager, underlined the importance of this project for the region, which has more than ten million inhabitants. It aims not only to revitalize the Rhein-Ruhr center, but also to restore as a regional dominant and innovative community location.

The conversion details include the redesign of public areas, the renovation of the sanitary facilities as well as the construction of new event places and inputs. The parking lot on the roof is also modernized. The renovation work should be completed by 2027 and are shaped by a clear concept: the model is the Puerto Venecia in Zaragoza, Spain, which attracts over 20 million visitors every year.

meaning for urban development

The Rhein-Ruhr-Zentrum not only represents an important retail location, but is also crucial for the urban development in Mülheim. The preservation and development of the central supply locations is essential to counteract the competition through retail locations, which often offer better accessibility by cars. Special legal regulations, such as the construction usage regulations, prevent the retail resettlements that are harmful to the center and at the same time offer a framework for development plans that are supposed to protect the location.

The master plan centers and retail, which was decided in 2008, is a central tool for the city to determine the structure of the supply centers. In this context, the classification of the Rhein-Ruhr center as a local supply location is of the utmost importance. The upcoming changes offer the opportunity to adapt the master plan to the current conditions and to strengthen retail in Mülheim.

In the current social and economic landscape, the focus is particularly relevant to integrated locations that offer good accessibility through public transport and alternative means of transport such as bicycles. The conversion of the Rhein-Ruhr center shows that it is not only about revitalizing a shopping center, but also about social and economic integration into the city's urban concept.