Poznań, 1 October 2014
Centrum Posnania – a new opening for Rataje
The new investment, worth more than PLN 1,2 billion (almost 300 mln euro), is not only a new shopping and
lifestyle centre but also a positive change for the right bank of the Warta river. The effects will include upgraded
road infrastructure and new communication solutions, a pro-development impulse for the so far undeveloped
60ha area, new paths for pedestrians and bike lanes totalling 4km, which will connect Rataje with the city centre.
The investment also means 3000 jobs during construction and 3000 after Posnania’s opening, alongside
additional revenue for local businesses and the city budget.
Road network expansion
In the participation agreement with the city, investor commited to spend approx. PLN 80 million in upgrading road
infrastructure. The works will include a re-arrangement of the Jana Pawła II street by adding a third lane between
the Rondo Rataje and Rondo Środka roundabouts. The Krzywoustego street will be modernised through the
addition of two left-turn lanes. In agreement with the city roads authority, the investor also designed an additional
two-lane exit from Rataje onto the Krzywoustego street towards the A2 highway. An additional lane will also be
constructed at Rondo Rataje, allowing to go from the Krzywoustego street directly to the Jana Pawła II street. This
will make driving through Rondo Rataje smoother. All of this will be controlled by an intelligent lighting system. All
of the above solutions are intended to free up the other roads leading to Centrum Posnania.
Rataje safer for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities
All of the roads being upgraded will be equipped with new lighting, sidewalks and bike lanes, surrounded with
greens and trees. The underground passage beneath the Krzywoustego street will be renovated and fitted with an
elevator and other disability-friendly features. Over 4km of bitumen bike lanes will be built around Posnania. It will
be possible to go from Rondo Rataje, using the existing bike lanes, under the Estacada to the city centre. Bike racks
will be located throughout Posnania, as well as eventually a city bike station.
Pedestrian bays will be created on Posnania’s internal roads for safe crossing, and speed limits will be imposed.
Lights will be installed at intersections. All of the new infrastructure will be disability-friendly, including amenities
for sight-impaired persons. Pedestrian crossings will have speed bumps and sound signalling. Buttons to activate the
lights will be placed at a height accessible by people with disabilities. Bus stops will also be located throughout the
area of the investment.
New city space
Over 1000 trees and plants will be planted around the investment. The centre will be surrounded by green areas
with benches, bike lanes and special lighting in order to create a place for leisure and relaxation. A walking alley,
surrounded by plants and trees, will connect Posnania Centre with Rondo Rataje and the bus station. The alley is
also intended to be the location of cultural and entertainment activities, as is the amphitheatre – a place for
concerts and other artistic and fashion events. We want to use the vintage bricks that are laid on the Pieszewska and
Łacina streets in sidewalks and alleys throughout Posnania,” says Maciej Wróblewski, wicepresident of the board
Apsys Poland
Pro-development impulse for Rataje
Posnania (a total of 9ha) is being constructed on a previously undeveloped 60ha plot of land in the middle of Rataje.
The investor undertook to install utilities, including water mains, sewage system, rainwater system and cabling for
potential future residents. In accordance with the local spatial development plan, this will be investment land,
intended for residential, service and office developments, with a 1.2ha park.
The changes planned by the investor are considered as significant by Jan Mikołajczyk, an expert in development of
the retail sector in Poland, Adjunct Professor at the Commerce and Marketing Department of the Economic
University in Poznań. - Thanks to the development of infrastructure - ground infrastructure, modernisation and
construction of roads - around a shopping centre, the value of a particular location increases as a place of
development, including as regards residential housing. This way, areas that were previously neglected or
unattractive become a new hub of growth for the local community. Shopping centres rapidly increase the pace of
this growth through modernisation and urbanisation of newly-acquired areas where new jobs are. A shopping
centre provides an opportunity to purchase a wide array of products and services in one place, as well as offers
recreation and leisure in a location that is friendly for the local community. It also brings in revenue for the budget in
the city and region where it is located due to taxes, therefore substantially impacts on the development of the entire
region and improves the quality of life of residents.
Financial benefits for the city’s budget and residents
“Based on the information that we have, the PLN 80 million that will be invested in infrastructure is a record
amount of money for this type of investment. Moreover, financial benefits will be noticeable also by the citizens of
Poznań. Aside from tax revenue for the city budget, which is estimated now at PLN 9 million per year and PLN 15
million per year after Posnania’s opening, local businesses will also benefit. We estimate that approx. 50 local
companies will be involved in operating Posnania,” added Maciej Wróblewski.
Work progress at Posnania
The on-going construction works are in line with the investment plan. Ground works are completed, and now laying
foundations for the building had started. Finishing ground works means that there will be fewer heavy vehicles
around the construction site. The sewage system is already being installed around Posnania’s area, as well as road
infrastructure is being developed. Northern part of the Krzywoustego street is expected to be finished in December.
Next, if and as the weather permits, works on the southern section will commence.
Media contact:
Aleksander Rosa
Posnania Spokesperson
email: a.rosa@prelite.pl
mobile: +48 695 393 751
About Posnania
Posnania is an innovative concept that combines retail, service, social and cultural functions. It has been designed
with the needs and lifestyles of the modern consumer in mind: people who care about the quality of life, appreciate
convenience, expect new experiences and use mobile devices. Posnania, which is scheduled to be opened in the
second half of 2016, will be the largest shopping centre in the Wielkopolska Province and one of the largest in
Poland, featuring 100 000 sqm of leasable space. This will be the 19th shopping centre in the portfolio of the
investor – APSYS Polska. With approx. 300 tenants, Posnania will provide a diverse and comprehensive shopping
experience. Located under one roof will be 40 large- and medium-format stores, 220 boutiques and 40 restaurants
and cafes. The retail space will be divided into different zones: fashion, sport, accessories, hypermarket, home
decor, food, entertainment and leisure, services. The ground-breaking design concept features spacious common
areas, including a winter garden, amphitheatre, forum and rotund. The parking lot will have a 3300-car capacity.
Posnania will bring customer service to a whole new level, also thanks to the use of technology. With free WiFi
throughout the centre, visitors will be able to geolocate stores and cars at the parking lot and use digital maps,
mobile payments and a dedicated app. Posnania will also offer added-value services, such as stylists, home delivery,
day care and playground, as well as concierge service.
The Posnania development, worth in excess of PLN 1 billion (close to EUR 300 million), is currently the largest
retail-sector investment in Poland and a pro-growth impulse for the city: comprehensive upgrade of the
surrounding road infrastructure, new communication solutions, bike lanes, green areas, 6000 new jobs (3000 during
construction and 3000 afterwards), as well as land infrastructure (60ha) in the Rataje district for future residential
and office developments.