Karstadt-Aus in Cologne: What will happen to the traditional store?

Karstadt-Aus in Cologne: What will happen to the traditional store?

The Karstadt store on Breite Straße in Cologne will be closed on August 31st, which presented the approximately 155 employees with a fait accompli. The hope of saving the traditional house was dashed and the employees were shocked by the sudden news. The owner of the more than 3,000 square meter area, Aroundtown SA, plans to demolish and rebuild the building in order to create apartments, offices, shops and restaurants in a prime location. This requires a procedure in accordance with Section 34 of the Building Code, as there is no development plan.

In May 2022, the owner received a positive preliminary building notice from the city of Cologne, which does not yet enable construction but does clarify future questions. This decision is valid until May 2025 and could be extended. Nevertheless, the owner has not yet submitted a building application. It is reported that alternative plans are being discussed which could see parts of the building retained.

The city of Cologne and company representatives from Aroundtown SA are in discussions about the future use of the area. The city emphasizes its interest in a retail location on Breite Straße, which could also integrate other uses such as restaurants, health services, hotels and housing. The closure of the Karstadt store and other department stores is attributed to structural changes in retail and a lack of profitability.

Kölnbusiness and the city support the process of future development of the Karstadt site to ensure the best sustainable concept for the owner and Cologne city center. This shows the progressive change in retail towards more experiential character and mixed uses in order to make city centers attractive.