Fresh residential developments are arising on Munich's periphery, accommodating 144 new homeowners.
In the remote reaches of Munich lies Freiham, a bustling construction site where cranes stretch toward the sky and diggers shape the landscape. Amidst this chaos, a new district center called "ZAM" is taking shape, serving as the heart of this burgeoning neighborhood.
ZAM: Freiham's Shiny New Toy
The Mahatma Gandhi square, a verdant oasis yet to be fully claim by the city, stands as the focal point of this new hub. Surrounded by four soaring buildings, ZAM is the pride and joy of the Rosa-Alscher-Group.
As of now, two of the four buildings are complete. The neighboring residential tower "MK2(2)" is still under construction, with its impressive façade currently being erected. With 144 new digs and 12,000 square meters of commercial space, this towering marvel is set to complete by autumn. Originally slated for a December 2024 debut, delays in completion are a common occurrence here.
AZ had the exclusive pleasure of exploring one of the two completed buildings, accompanied by Richard van de Beek from the Rosa-Alscher-Group and Frank Pöstges-Pragal from PPD Consulting. These gents are intimately acquainted with the ins and outs of ZAM.
The building we investigativated is located east of the unfinished residential tower site. This baby boasts retail space on two floors, with a whopping 139 apartments on three floors – affectionately dubbed "ZAM Life" in the brochures.
"Here, the city has taken a cue from other regions," remarks van de Beek. "There's a mix of uses, ensuring that things remain lively." It's a stark contrast to the Parkstadt Schwabing, where only offices reside, turning street-side avenues into ghost towns after sundown.
As of the current record, over 90% of the apartments have been rented, with many already furnished. The apartments, accessible via dedicated staircases and three elevators, have been 70% occupied as of press time. Rents start from a modest 21 euros per square meter.
The commercial floors, to the charge of Pöstges-Pragal, are supply-focused, with a Lidl, a Rewe on 3,000 square meters, a DM, two fashion stores, and a mobile phone provider already setting up shop. One section is yet to be filled, but foot traffic is brisk on this bustling Tuesday morning.
Car-Free Meeting Point in the Making
Our journey to the second finished ZAM building, the "MK2(3)", leads us via the Mahatma Gandhi Square. While the construction around the large residential tower and the square itself remains a tangled mess of fences, vehicles, and machinery, the square aims to become a car-free gathering spot.
The "MK2(3)" stands as the counterpart to the adjacent "MK2(4)", featuring offices spread across three floors instead of two floors of retail. The structure shares the same aesthetic, with isolated staircases and elevators directing one towards the office section and its own courtyard.
"We've deliberately separated retail from office spaces," explains van de Beek. Distinct entrances lead to the offices, unlike the apartments. As of my last update, half of the approximately 13,100 square meters is rented. "The market is sluggish for various reasons," says van de Beek. "We're in talks with multiple companies, however."
Companies specializing in medical technology, healthcare professionals, and even publishers have already set up shop in the ZAM. But the roster isn't exclusive to these sectors – van de Beek also has his sights set on young companies, such as IT firms. The smallest unit available clocks in at a spacious 500 square meters, with more of these on the second floor earmarked for smaller enterprises.
Regarding the lower two floors, the quartier managers have carefully curated a selection of stores like TK Maxx and Smyths Toys, aimed at extending time spent in the area and attracting visitors beyond just the local neighborhood.
Despite partial occupancy, existing stores appear to be thriving, according to van de Beek. The traffic and turnover make for a strong signal of success.
The four buildings of ZAM are connected by a vast underground garage with approximately 980 parking spaces, catering to residents and visitors alike. Bike garages are also available for tenants.
Freiham can be accessed via public transportation, either by S-Bahn or by bus. A subway extension (U5) remains up in the air for the time being. Although a preparatory measure for the planned extension is already underway, it's anyone's guess if it'll ever reach Freiham.
"Of course, the subway would be a wonderful addition, especially for office workers," muses van de Beek. "But dreams should remain just that – dreams. We're already exceptional as is."
As of my last update, the journey from Freiham in Munich's far western outskirts back to the city center by S-Bahn takes roughly 20 minutes, barring any delays, of course.
The mixed-use concept of ZAM, with its residential towers, commercial spaces, and offices, promises to breathe life into Freiham even after sunset, contrasting the vacant avenues of Parkstadt Schwabing.
The abundant commercial offerings within ZAM, such as grocery stores, fashion outlets, and specialty stores, aim to make the Mahatma Gandhi Square a car-free meeting point, fostering community life in the heart of Freiham.
