C&A Ventures into Schlössle Art Gallery
In the heart of Pforzheim, the city's bustling market square, affectionately known as its "living room," is undergoing a transformation following the departure of long-standing tenant, C&A. The clothing company is moving from its current location on the Eastern Karl-Friedrich-Straße to the Schlossgalerie, leaving behind a city-owned building that now stands vacant.
Oliver Reitz, director of the Eigenbetrieb Wirtschaft und Stadtmarketing Pforzheim (WSP), is spearheading the efforts to revitalize the market square. He envisions a mix of retail and gastronomic concepts for the vacant property, drawing inspiration from the gastronomic renaissance that has already taken place on the square, with establishments like "L'Osteria," "Neo," and "Risto" thriving.
Reitz believes the south-facing outdoor areas of the building make it an ideal candidate for gastronomic concepts. The city-owned building, purchased by the city in 2022, is also being vacated by C&A.
Mayor Peter Boch is optimistic about the city's acquisition of the building, stating, "We are pleased to have this building at this crucial location in the city center in our portfolio." He further emphasized that it's positive that the C&A branch in the city center is being preserved, although it will be at a different location.
Boch also suggested that the city can shape the future tenant development for the building on the market square and is already in constructive talks about a follow-up use. Reitz, too, expresses optimism about being able to win interested tenants for the vacant building.
The Schlossgalerie, meanwhile, has space available for a new tenant, which is now being occupied by C&A. The move of the Pforzheim branch of C&A has already been communicated, and Boch also mentioned that the city's building department, Stadtbau, can function as a city development company.
As the city moves forward with plans for the market square, it remains to be seen what businesses will take up residence in the vacant building. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it would be best to contact local authorities or news outlets in Pforzheim directly.
The vacant city-owned building on the market square in Pforzheim might soon house a blend of retail and gastronomic concepts, as per the vision of Oliver Reitz, the director of the Eigenbetrieb Wirtschaft und Stadtmarketing Pforzheim (WSP). In the meantime, the Schlossgalerie, which is currently occupied by C&A, is in search of a new tenant, offering opportunities for home-and-garden, lifestyle, or shopping establishments.
