Retail and modernity

What does ‘power centre’ mean in the case of the Gemini Park Tychy shopping centre?

What characterises power centres are their large catchment areas and the uniqueness of their range of goods and services. Because of its convenient and fast road links, Gemini Park Tychy will have a catchment area of 1.5 mln people – not only the residents of Tychy but also the entire Upper Silesian region. The centre itself will feature a wide mix of leading brands, including some that are appearing for the first time in the region. Another incentive for shoppers to visit the centre will undoubtedly be the neighbouring big box stores that are already in operation, such as the Tesco, Obi and Saturn hypermarkets, which a modern shopping centre with an extensive range of fashion, service and entertainment will naturally complement.

Can you tell me how customer needs are going to be met in Gemini Park Tychy?

The tenant mix will largely be based on the market leaders who understand customers’ needs perfectly, who follow the latest trends and adopt innovative functional approaches. Free wi-fi will be available throughout the centre and it will also be equipped with a new generation visual signage system, which will make it easier for customers of the centre to move around, as well as a system for reporting the occupancy of parking spaces.

Will the area for entertainment and food & drink operators be larger than what you would find in an average shopping centre? What kind of range of cafés, bars and restaurants are you hoping to have?

We are focusing on an extensive food court range. Our tenants include partners who are experienced in the catering market. The restaurant will include KFC and three Gastromall group brands – the Olimp, Kebab by Olimp and Companeros eatery concepts. Grycan and Lodomania ice cream parlours will also be opening, offering natural desserts and delicacies for children, as well as Cafe de Grano. So the centre will feature a wide service and entertainment section to complement the range of stores.

What kind of amenities for families are you planning to introduce in the centre

Gemini Park Tychy, just like our existing shopping centre in Bielsko-Biała, has been designed as a family centre. It will include a parent and baby room, where it will be possible to feed or change a baby in comfort, while the rooms and toilets in the centre will also be designed for the needs of children and parents. Specially extended parking spaces for families with children will be located near the entrances to the building. Cycle paths will also connect the centre to the rest of the town, while the grounds that surround it will also be developed into a place ideal for entertainment and education – the Park of Joy. A whole range of educational events, happenings and meetings for the entire family are to take place in the park.

What stage has the construction work on Gemini Park Tychy reached?

We are currently at the final stage of the commercialisation, which started in 2015, before the launch of the construction work. Right now we are adjusting the units and locations to meet the tenants’ requirements, with the opening of Gemini Park Tychy due to take place in the spring of 2018.