Sustainable community market initiative Mercato Metropolitano has inked its first deal outside the UK, with an agreement to become an anchor tenant of Potsdamer Platz Arkaden in Berlin.

Mercato Metropolitano

Mercato Metropolitano

Mercato Metropolitano has signed for a 4,400 m2 two-level space at the flagship Potsdamer Platz asset, covering 46,000 m2, which is owned by Brookfield Properties and managed by ECE.

The artisan food fair concept, which launched five years ago, currently has two active locations in London, and two pipeline projects in the UK capital.

It was founded in 2015 as part of a pilot project at the World Expo in Milan. In 2016, Mercato Metropolitano opened its first sustainable community market in London's Elephant & Castle neighbourhood.

'We only use recyclable and compostable materials, without single-use plastics at all our locations. Our ultimate goal is to lead a waste, plastic and chemical-free economy, by offering to the community of citizens the best possible bio-variety of sustainable food which will satisfy their taste buds as well as enhance our own and Earth’s health,' said founder Andrea Rasca.

Refurbishment
Potsdamer Platz Arkaden is currently under refurbishment and will reopen in 2022 with a renewed focus on food.

Jonathan Doughty, ECE's director of foodservice, leisure and placemaking said: 'We want to turn the place into a culinary hotspot for all of Berlin. With Mercato Metropolitano as our partner, we are one step closer to this goal, and we are very excited that we were able to sign Mercato Metropolitano with their first location in Germany. They are modern, innovative, and will be the heart of Potsdamer Platz.'

'We are in contact with numerous other potential tenants. Despite the coronavirus, we are convinced that social life will gradually return to normal, and that Potsdamer Platz will once again become a Berlin experience,' said Karl L. Wambach, executive vice president Europe of Brookfield Properties.