Uncertain future

German based investor Metro AG has been trying to reach an agreement with Wilanów authorities for the last few years regarding their plans in this district of Warsaw. Nothing has happened on the 20 hectare site they have owned for 6 years, as authorities are wary of transforming the historical Wilanów Palace neighbourhood into a Janki type commercial area. Metro has been trying to raise awareness of its project in recent months; is this a ploy to try and pressure the district into making a decision? At a press conference held last month at the Wilanów Palace, Karl-Josef Baum, Metro AG board member, announced that the company wants to build a complex comprising 6 office buildings, a 2-storey shopping gallery, car parks and several MSU including Real, Media Markt and Praktiker. ,We will certainly not build steel sheet complexes," he commented. Offices Exact information regarding the retail component was not given at the press conference, although details concerning