Tuesday, 21 July 2026
NEPI Rockcastle has announced plans to expand Karolinka Shopping Centre in Opole, southwestern Poland, with an 11,000 sqm extension that will add 30 retail units as part of a broader modernisation of the scheme.
Building permits have already been obtained, with construction expected to begin later this autumn. The project will also include a new underground car park and the refurbishment of the shopping centre’s façade to integrate the existing and newly developed sections.
The developer said the additional retail space has been designed to accommodate fashion brands that are not currently represented in the Opole market due to a shortage of suitable premises. Leasing discussions with prospective tenants are already at an advanced stage.
“Our decision to expand and modernise Karolinka Shopping Centre is driven by strong market demand. The new retail units are intended to provide space for brands seeking to enter the Opole market while ensuring the centre remains competitive in a changing retail environment,” said Paulina Kurdziel-Świeczka, Asset Manager at NEPI Rockcastle.
Marius Barbu, Chief Operating Officer at NEPI Rockcastle, said the project forms part of the company’s wider strategy of improving and expanding its retail portfolio.
“Portfolio optimisation is one of the key elements of our growth strategy. By modernising and expanding existing shopping centres, we aim to better serve local markets while increasing the income-generating potential of our assets,” he said.
Karolinka Shopping Centre currently offers approximately 70,000 sqm of retail space and is the largest shopping destination in Opole. The centre comprises around 170 retail and service outlets, ranging from grocery stores and home furnishing retailers to fashion brands and restaurants. It also provides more than 2,500 parking spaces.
Located around three kilometres from Opole city centre, the shopping centre serves a catchment area of approximately 235,000 residents living within a 30-minute drive.
Opole, one of Poland’s oldest cities, is an important regional centre for education, administration and commerce, benefiting from transport links to Wrocław and Katowice. Its economy is supported by the service sector, retail and light manufacturing industries.
