Auchan plans zl. 600 million retail project in Warsaw

French hypermarket chain Auchan has unveiled plans to construct a shopping complex worth zl. 600 million in Warsaw's Wilanow district. The company has already signed a preliminary purchase agreement for a 15-hectare plot. The land is part of a larger 170-hectare plot purchased in 1998 by software and investment firm Prokom for $100 million, which intends to build a resi dential development there. Krzysztof Zielinski, regional development d irector for Auchan Polska, told Puls Biznesu the company intends to begin construction in spring of 2003. An Auchan store and offices will occupy 7 to 10 hectares, with the remainder designated for restaurants and cinemas. "We are currently in talks with several developers and an investment fund," said Zielinski. "Our negotiations should conclude within two months." The land purchase deal with Prokom will be finalized when Auchan receives a con struction permit for its project. When completed the shopping center will create up to 2,000 jobs. (Puls Biznesu, p. 11) M.T.K.