Local supply secured in the Brandenburg neighbourhood
On 28 August 2023, Mayor Götz Herrmann invited Mr Sahin Sanli (owner) and Mr Marco Bauer (representative of project developer Bechtolsheim Real Estate) to meet with the mayor and First Deputy Mayor Anne Fellner at the town hall. The aim of the meeting was nothing less than to ensure the continuity of local supply in the Brandenburg neighbourhood.
"We as the administration - but above all the residents of the Brandenburgisches Viertel - need a clear perspective for the development of the 'Heidewald' shopping centre as a supply centre for the district. We understand that it is unacceptable to have to travel long distances by bus or car for a piece of butter or bread," said Mayor Götz Herrmann, opening and formulating the city's expectations and objectives.
Mr Sahin Sanli and his partners have big plans for the ageing property: They are planning the urgently needed refurbishment of the complex. The aim is to create a modern, contemporary grocery store, which - supplemented by other shops - will also house snack outlets and a drugstore. Negotiations with the respective chains are already in full swing. The extensive remodelling of the building is intended not only to meet today's shopping habits, but also to satisfy modern structural requirements. For the first time, there will also be a direct connection from the car park to the shopping mall.
Sahin Sanli promises: "Even during the transition period, there will be a small local supplier in Heidewald. Areas that are not affected by the major remodelling measures can be used for this."
The only proverbial fly in the ointment: unfortunately, it is currently not possible to draw up a precise timetable for the developments, as it is likely that the previous chain store may appeal against the judgement of the Frankfurt (Oder) Regional Court, which was announced on 18 August 2023 and is not yet legally binding. In the judgement, the company was ordered to vacate and surrender the premises and to pay compensation for use. The clarification of this legal dispute may take some time. However, this period will not pass unused. It will be used to work on a new building application, to agree on the interim use for the local supermarket and, if necessary, to amend the development plan. The latter must also be agreed with the Eberswalde town council.
"I am pleased that there was an open and constructive discussion with the owner about the roadmap for the renovation of the Heidewald. We will closely monitor the process as a city and can be optimistic that there will always be a solution for the local supply in the Brandenburg neighbourhood despite the unavoidable restrictions during the construction period," said the mayor after the meeting.