Did you know that the CARRÉ Bad Cannstatt wasn’t always a bustling shopping center? This spot in Stuttgart holds a fascinating history. Before the sleek glass and modern architecture of the CARRÉ stood the former industrial site of Trafo-Union. For years this area lay fallow. This was between 1986 and 2003. Imagine the contrast. From a neglected industrial wasteland to a vibrant hub of commerce and leisure. That’s the story of the CARRÉ Bad Cannstatt.
The CARRÉ Bad Cannstatt opened its doors on February 23 2006. It wasn’t just any shopping mall. It’s a unique blend of retail space office buildings and even a medical center. The CARRÉ boasts over 40 shops spanning 22000 square meters of retail space. The complex also includes recreational facilities and an impressive 17000 square meters dedicated to offices and a doctors’ building. This sits on the site of the former Trafo-Union. This is very close to Bad Cannstatt train station.
Construction of the CARRÉ Bad Cannstatt began in July 2004. It was initially slated for an earlier start. However the delay came because of the absence of a hotel operator for the planned hotel. The topping-out ceremony took place on July 13 2005. The shopping center was completed in October 2005. The office spaces followed in spring 2006. Initially the entire project cost around 90 million euros. It was later sold in 2007. The sale was for approximately 100 million euros to Encore+. This was run by LaSalle Investment Management and Morley Fund Management.
Nine years after its grand opening the CARRÉ underwent a rebranding. On October 22 2015 it was officially renamed the CARRÉ Bad Cannstatt. This reflected its location and identity more accurately. This area has always been about more than just shopping. Its location near the Cannstatt train station provides excellent accessibility. This is further enhanced by over 731 parking spaces.
Today the CARRÉ Bad Cannstatt is more than just a place to shop. It’s a community hub. A testament to urban renewal. A place where history and modernity intertwine. It’s a place that quietly reminds us that even abandoned spaces can be reborn. The CARRÉ Bad Cannstatt is a true reflection of Stuttgart’s dynamic spirit.