(Essen) In recent days, developers Dr. Marcus Kruse, Stephan Kölbl and Eckhard Brockhoff confirmed to tenants that the space will be handed over on schedule at the end of October, allowing the planned opening in November 2012. The largely pre-let building was constructed in a very short time, without accidents, thanks to exceptionally efficient site logistics. Interior fit-out is now underway, with well over 100 tradespeople on site each day. Retail tenants Edeka, Aldi, dm and Deichmann, along with the first office tenants, are looking forward to opening before Christmas.

Before opening, EDEKA (3,400 m²), ALDI (1,200 m²), dm (800 m²) and Deichmann (670 m²) had already signed long-term leases for a combined 6,070 m² of retail space. “Our aim was to secure the market leaders in their respective sectors,” say the developers, and that goal has been consistently achieved.

Only a few office units remain available, and some already have prospective tenants with planning and coordination discussions underway. On the first floor, units of 234 m² and 416 m² are available. The second floor has a vacant 446 m² unit; on the fourth floor, spaces of 479 m² and 485 m² are available. The entire fifth and sixth floors have been let long term to renowned patent attorneys from Essen. City Jung has leased space on the first floor, while an Essen-based corporation has reserved half of the second floor and all of the third; its lease is close to completion. The unusually attractive office space for Essen is offered at €13.50 per m² plus VAT. Standard features include carpet, screen-friendly lighting, IT cabling, floor-to-ceiling windows, cooling through the building’s concrete core activation system and electric sun protection.

“The central location and the good parking provision for Rüttenscheid (260 spaces are being built in the car park on Alfredstraße and will be allocated to the building’s users) are contributing to strong demand for the office space,” says Kristina Brockhoff, who is responsible for leasing the space at Brockhoff Immobilien. “Demand is strong, and it is coming from beyond Essen. There is also considerable interest from neighbouring cities such as Düsseldorf in these unique spaces, which are especially bright and welcoming thanks to their large windows.”

At the rear of the property, views extend over landscaped roofs and the roof garden surrounding the more than 800 m² office to be occupied by KÖLBL KRUSE. According to Kristina Brockhoff, the final months before a project like this opens are always the most exciting part of the marketing process. Office tenants statistically sign leases 3–6 months before moving in, so the busiest leasing phase begins now, after the summer holidays. With few new-build projects in Essen—most lettings take place in existing buildings—this development stands out, something discerning office tenants appreciate. Two lifts, an attractive staircase, high-quality washrooms and the retail component all add to the location’s appeal.

In the Edeka retail area, operated by the Essen-based Hundrieser family like its store in Essen-Haarzopf, renowned local restaurateur Hannappel will open an all-day bistro and offer office tenants an additional catering service, which is expected to be well received given the concentration of offices in Rüttenscheid. The bistro will be open from morning to evening and will serve a selection from the classic “Hannappel menu” at Rüttenscheider Stern. The restaurateur’s aim is to offer only top-quality food, with some dishes prepared in front of guests. Ingredients will also be sourced directly from the Hundrieser family’s Edeka store to ensure quality and freshness. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will all be available to take away through an additional to-go service. The bistro will have around 50 seats, a mix of regular seating and bar stools, plus outdoor seating in summer.

The developers have also planned something special for the Christmas lighting in consultation with the Rüttenscheid interest group. The owners are already involved in the IGR’s activities and support its work on this and other matters to make Rüttenscheid even more attractive. They are also preparing a special event for the opening.