“The Rhein-Galerie in Ludwigshafen has been awarded a preliminary gold certificate by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) at EXPO REAL. The Rhein-Galerie, which unites exceptional urban design with high environmental quality, ranks as one of the most spectacular retail projects in the Rhine-Neckar region.
Acquired by Union Investment in 2008 for its UniImmo: Deutschland open real estate fund, the Rhein-Galerie shopping center project is being built on the site of the former bonded port, close to the promenade on the Rhine river bank, a location that makes it a central element in Ludwighafen’s urban development. Through the revitalization of the public space on the promenade, Union Investment and ECE, the project developer and operator, are creating an important focal point in the urban design with the Rhein-Galerie. The mall is to remain open to Ludwighafen’s inhabitants and visitors outside of business hours.
The Rhein-Galerie’s exemplary convenience for users is also a factor that earned the project the DGNB’s highest grade of preliminary certificate. The building’s attractive atria let light into the mall, creating an especially agreeable ambience. In addition, the Rhein-Galerie makes exceptionally efficient use of water: Special water-saving armatures significantly reduce the consumption of potable water, and all of the rainwater is fed into the Rhine river – back into the natural water cycle.
The Rhein-Galerie’s topping-out ceremony is to be held on October 8, with final completion of the project scheduled for the autumn of 2010. Combining some 30,000 m² of retail floor space with around 25,000 m² of Rhine promenade, it will be a remarkable shopping center that offers visitors a unique experience” (CS della Società).
