The Czech Republic boasts 1.8 million m[sup]2[/sup] of modern shopping centre space, thanks to a near doubling of the total supply since the beginning of 2004, according to a new report from CB Richard Ellis.

The Czech Republic boasts 1.8 million m2 of modern shopping centre space, thanks to a near doubling of the total supply since the beginning of 2004, according to a new report from CB Richard Ellis.

2008 was the third strongest year in terms of new modern shopping centre supply. Approximately 200,000 m2 was completed with 76% of this new space being opened to the public in the last quarter of the year.

Head of research Paulína Husová said: 'With only 110,000 m2 of new shopping centre space to be delivered in 2009, it is expected to be the year with the lowest supply since 2003. The pipeline for 2010 is considerably higher (250,000 m2), however many of these projects are in the planning stages and we believe that due to problems with financing, some may be postponed.'