The expansion of Iulius Mall Suceava is more than just an increase in space; it includes the redevelopment of parts of the existing mall to meet the evolving demands of Suceava’s growing community and marks a significant milestone in Atterbury Europe and Iulius Group’s shared mission to further transform northern Romania’s retail landscape. As one of the region’s most established shopping destinations, the redevelopment aims to elevate customer experience, sustainability and tenant diversity. Roux Gerber, Head of Developments at Atterbury Europe, provides a detailed look at the anticipated benefits of this €40 million project, which will reinforce Iulius Mall Suceava’s position as the ultimate shopping and leisure hub in the area.
What inspired the decision to expand Iulius Mall Suceava?
Despite its strong performance, even during the pandemic period, Iulius Mall Suceava faced challenges to accommodate the expansion needs of its existing tenant base together with the need to accommodate new tenants into Iulius Mall Suceava. The tenant mix in Iulius Mall Suceava was analysed in relation to upcoming lease term expiries, which presented the opportunity to refresh the tenant mix and redevelop some of the existing retail space. In parallel, the aim was to improve traffic access and circulation, improve parking configuration and add green areas to the redevelopment scope of works.
Attrius (a joint venture between Iulius Group and Atterbury Europe) proactively acquired adjacent land to Iulius Mall Suceava a few years back with the vision to one day improve the tenant mix, and increase the mall’s size and the parking layout. We initiated redevelopment plans in mid-2023, and secured the required permits and permissions, all in a proactive process to address the mentioned needs of customers and tenants in Iulius Mall Suceava.
What goals are you aiming to achieve with this development?
The main goal of the expansion and redevelopment of Iulius Mall Suceava is to improve the tenant mix by expanding certain shops, introducing new shops to the tenant mix, offering more green areas and providing improved access and parking solutions. On the technical front, the main goals are to:
- Minimise the disruption to the operations of Iulius Mall Suceava as the works will be performed while the mall remains operational.
- Have the most efficient execution programme, minimising down-time of shops expanding their shop size.
- Be sensitive to the environment and sustainability requirements during the execution of the expansion and redevelopment works.
- Provide a quality building environment within the agreed timeline and budget provisions.
What new features and amenities can visitors expect from the redeveloped and expanded mall?
The redevelopment of Iulius Mall Suceava focuses on three key areas: renovating existing spaces, expanding retail offerings and upgrading infrastructure.
Renovations: The former 10,000m² hardware anchor space is being transformed into a mall gallery featuring new shops along a central mall passage, with additional entrances from the parking lot for easier access. Some common areas in the existing Iulius Mall Suceava are also being reconfigured to optimise the mall’s layout.
Expansion: Over 7,500m² of new retail space will be added, connecting seamlessly to the redeveloped gallery and facing a newly created and improved parking area.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Visitors can look forward to a new parking layout for improved traffic flow, two drive-through food outlets and green landscaped entrances to enhance the mall’s appeal.
These updates aim to elevate the shopping experience while addressing customer needs for convenience and variety.
“This expansion ensures Iulius Mall Suceava remains the dominant retail destination in the region.”
How does the partnership between Atterbury Europe and the Iulius Group enhance this project and what strengths do each party bring?
The project builds on the proven partnership model successfully deployed by Iulius Group and Atterbury Europe in past developments. Iulius Group takes the lead in the development management process, with Atterbury Europe participating in the full process providing strategic support throughout the project’s lifecycle.
This collaboration thrives on a balanced integration of international expertise and local insight, delivering a world-class product tailored to the Romanian market. Over multiple projects, the partnership has grown stronger, driven by shared values and a commitment to excellence. Together, we ensure seamless execution and a visionary approach to development.
How will the expansion benefit Suceava and northern Romania?
Iulius Mall Suceava has long been a key commercial hub and retail leader, benefiting from its strategic location near the northern border. Even during the pandemic era and during ongoing challenges in the region, it has remained the dominant retail destination in Suceava. The expansion will strengthen its position as a one-stop regional destination offering convivence and variety.
Improved access and traffic flow will further enhance customer convenience, while the expanded retail offering will bring exciting new options. Our marketing team is ready to introduce these developments, creating fresh experiences for the local community and boosting the regional economy.
How are sustainable practices and green initiatives being incorporated into the mall’s expansion?
Sustainability remains central to the Iulius Group and Atterbury Europe’s approach to development. At Iulius Mall Suceava, several impactful initiatives are already in place and the following are highlighted:
- Innovative waste-handling processes have significantly reduced waste volumes.
- The existing photovoltaic roof system, one of the joint venture’s largest green energy installations, will double its capacity with additional panels planned for the expansion.
- New green landscape areas will enhance the infrastructure and parking redevelopment, ensuring green concepts are integral to the customer experience.
- Electric vehicle charging stations will be introduced as part of the infrastructure upgrade, meeting industry standards and legislation.
“Sustainability is at the heart of this redevelopment, from green spaces to cutting-edge energy solutions.”
How will the introduction of international fashion brands and new leisure facilities impact the shopping experience for visitors?
Maintaining a mall’s tenant mix to meet customer demands is vital, and our leasing team excels at this. This is precisely what’s happening at Iulius Mall Suceava. New brands are joining and existing brands are expanding their size and offerings, reinforcing the mall’s position as the leading destination for retail and leisure experiences in Suceava and the region.
What measures are being taken to improve accessibility and convenience, particularly regarding the increased parking capacity?
More than a quarter of the additional investment in the Iulius Mall Suceava redevelopment relates to improvements in accessibility, parking and green areas. The new entry/exit access routes, internal circulation and parking configuration have been re-designed to support customer convenience and ease of navigation and parking. Parking bays have been moved closer to the building envelope and dedicated staff parking areas are further away from prime convenient parking zones, opening more options for quick, convenient parking opportunities. Nothing can be more discouraging than having access and parking issues before embarking on a leisure and retail experience. Therefore, the reaction to a major improvement in access, circulation and parking layout should be visible in more positive shopping behaviours and spend.
What is the project timeline, and where are we now?
The building permit was secured in the second quarter of 2024, and the contractor, Build Corp, was appointed as the Main Contractor. We’ve now officially moved into the execution and delivery phase.
Leasing has been in full swing since late 2023, with over 95% of the available spaces confirmed. The goal is to hand over rental spaces to tenants starting from the end of 2024 up till the early months of 2025. The extension, including external works, is set to open by late Q1/early Q2 2025.
With the Iulius Mall Suceava expansion set to be completed by early 2025, this collaborative venture between Atterbury Europe and Iulius Group promises to redefine the retail experience for the Suceava community and beyond. From international fashion debuts to eco-conscious design, every element reflects a commitment to quality, convenience, and sustainability. As Gerber aptly summarises, the project is more than just a redevelopment – it’s a strategic investment in the future of regional retail and leisure.
