Perhaps you’ve just arrived at the Marzahner Tor. Right here stands the Eastgate. Opened in 2005, the Eastgate is more than just a shopping center. It’s a vibrant hub in the Marzahn district.
At the time, the Eastgate was the largest shopping center in East Berlin. The Eastgate serves the areas of Marzahn and Hellersdorf. Around 1000 people work here.
But how did the Eastgate come to be? A complex of postal and service buildings had to go. Also, the Kaufhaus Marzahner Tor was torn down. These buildings were built in 1987 and 1988. They were constructed for the then-new district.
Notice the Eastgate’s futuristic design. The architects Jost Hering, Klaus M. Hoffmann, Ragna Carstens, and Enno Schmacker designed it. They are from Hamburg. The building has a nearly square footprint. The parking spaces are integrated on the roof. Wayss & Freytag Schlüsselfertigbau AG built it. The construction lasted less than two years. The first groundbreaking was in November 2003. The topping-out ceremony was in spring 2005.
Inside the Eastgate, two levels of shops await. You will find well-known clothing brands here. C&A, H&M, and Peek & Cloppenburg are just a few. There are also electronics stores and grocery stores. Saturn and Rewe are here. Boutiques and specialty shops offer cosmetics, jewelry, and books.
Feeling hungry? Numerous restaurants and cafes span 3000 square meters. Two large rotundas extend over all floors. They have diameters of about 30 meters. An event plaza features an open-air stage. Fountains with water features add to the atmosphere. A children’s paradise keeps the little ones entertained. Seasonal decorations enhance the experience. The entire center is designed to be accessible.
But the Eastgate is not just about shopping. It is also a place for events. Fashion shows, music festivals, and sports competitions take place here. Street football, beach volleyball, and freeclimbing are common. Other cultural events also occur.
In addition to shops, the Eastgate has office and practice spaces. These cover around 1400 square meters.
Did you know that the Eastgate has its own customer magazine? It is a supplement to Berlin’s daily newspapers. It is delivered to households in the area. There is even a children’s magazine called Galino. The Eastgate also has its own redesigned newspaper.
The bus station Marzahn is right outside the Eastgate. It opened in April 2012.
The Eastgate is part of a larger area. You’ll find smaller shops on the Marzahner Promenade. The Freizeitcenter Le Prom is also nearby. It features the UCI Kinowelt am Eastgate. There is also a bowling alley and several restaurants.
So, the Eastgate is more than just a shopping center. It’s a place where shopping, entertainment, and community come together. It reflects the vibrant spirit of Marzahn.