Architects: Czechs no longer want centers just with shops; they demand entertainment

Plzeň - The construction of shopping centers focused solely on retail is coming to an end in the Czech Republic, according to architects. The buildings that were constructed in the 1990s are no longer being built in the Czech Republic, and the old ones are being renovated into more attractive spaces with a wider range of offerings. People demand more entertainment, they want to enjoy it more and get closer to street shopping again, said Filip Pokorný from the international studio Chapman Taylor. The studio is designing a new district with shops, offices, apartments, and boulevards in the center of Plzeň, developed by the Prague-based Ameside.

"In both the Czech Republic and Hungary, we are already working on the reconstruction of some old schemes. We feel the need to supplement them with new entertainment, gastro concepts, and we are creating spaces where social events could take place, so that it becomes a vibrant urban organism, not just a box with shops," he stated. According to Pokorný, these will face significant challenges in sustaining themselves in the future. "The investor in Plzeň is also aware of this, who wants to create a modern concept that will set the trend in the Czech Republic for the next ten years," he added. In Hungary, the studio is transforming a parking lot next to a shopping center into a park. There will be entertainment features for children and a gastro zone with views of the park.

This trend began in the West after the crisis in 2008. According to Pokorný, shopping in e-shops is also influencing this change, which is starting to alter customer behavior. "They no longer have to go to the mall for a t-shirt, but they go there for entertainment and social interaction," Pokorný stated. This trend has been present in the Czech Republic for about two years, evident in the cases of Prague's shopping centers Černý Most and Chodov.

According to Pokorný, the transformation of shopping centers must have a return on investment. An example could be Letňany, which are being renovated and where a gastro zone is being created along with more entertainment options for children and young people who will want to meet there, he stated. It will involve sports and culture, and cinemas are coming back into the foreground, but with smaller auditoriums, Pokorný mentioned.

Some stores will be expanding because there will be larger logistical support. The shop will have 100 square meters with a significantly larger warehouse behind it. "In front, you have screens and choose shoes, and behind are thousands of shoes that you can get within five minutes," he said.