Today, 5 October 2006, the Europa Passage shopping center in Hamburg opens its doors. Europa Passage is one of the largest inner-city shopping malls in Germany, with 120 shops, five shopping levels, more than 30,000 m² of retail space in a prime downtown location with a spectacular view of the Binnenalster. For the city of Hamburg the Europa Passage is more than a world of shopping: due to its mixture of economic power, architecture and cultural events, the 'growing city' of Hamburg is well on its way to establishing itself as the leading shopping center in Europe.
Europa Passage, Hamburg
More than a quarter of a million people are to be found in downtown Hamburg every day. From the beginning of October the Europa Passage will be a new highlight for them. The new concept of the Europa Passage, including shopping, culture and experience, not only makes it possible for you to enjoy shopping till you drop, but, thanks to more than 4,000 m² offering food and drink and varied cultural events which also take place well after the shops have closed, it will also become the most attractive meeting point in the Hanseatic city.
New impulses for downtown Hamburg
It is not only the wide range of shops and cafes and restaurants which make the five floors of this futuristic glass building so special. Shop concepts such as the first Oakley Shop in Germany give the Europa Passage its special profile. More than 70% of the tenants are new to downtown Hamburg and many of them are establishing a foothold in Germany or even in Europe for the very first time.
Driving economic power
These impulses not only have an effect on Hamburg itself, but also far beyond the city limits. The construction of the Europa Passage creates 60,000 m² of office and retail space, which in turn creates up to 1,200 new jobs. Therefore the shopping mall becomes an important factor in the economic region and will be a symbol for the massed economic power of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg.
Unique architecture and panorama
The Europa Passage is different from other conventional arcades in that is receives its visitors like an authentic street in a city. The 21 arches line the 160-meter-long arcade and connect the five floors with each other. A glass panorama elevator, which tempts visitors with a spectacular view of the Binnenalster, transports visitors from the entrance on Ballindamm directly to the food and drinks area on the second floor that offers a breath-taking panorama of the city and its streets. This architecture from Hadi Teherani makes the Europa Passage an exciting new attraction.
Opinions about the opening
"The Europa Passage is an investment in the future of Hamburg and its great aura will be felt well beyond the city limits. 70% of the shops have been developed according to concepts which have not existed in Hamburg until now," said Mr Dirk Grosse-Wördemann, Chairman of the Board of Management of Allianz Immobilien GmbH and Allianz CenterManagement GmbH. "Thanks to the Europa Passage, the shopping city of Hamburg is continuing to develop consistently into the shopping center of Europe," he continued.
"I am proud of the Europa Passage," enthused the international star architect Hadi Teherani. "As a communicative element in the structure and ambience of the city it gives Hamburg a new quality." And Werner Köpper, Chairman of the advertising association of retail tenants of the Europa Passage, added: "Due to this symbiosis of culture, experience and shopping, shopping will become a creative way to spend your leisure time."
Thorsten Kausch, Managing Director of Hamburg Marketing GmbH, emphasized that with this shopping mall Hamburg has gained an important new attraction. "The Europa Passage is a new flagship for urban living. With the brightening-up of the Neuen Walls and the redesigning of the shopping street Jungfernstieg, Hamburg is strengthening its position as an international shopping center with a unique brand."
Doors open on 5 October
Despite last-minute const
