A contract with a hypermarket chain is a mandatory condition for developers who want to start construction works to build shopping centers.
Benevo, founded by Canadian businessman Michael Topolinski, announced its intention to build a commercial center in that part of Bucharest several years ago and obtained building permits earlier this year. The works were planned to start in July.
“Negotiations with the general contractor have been completed and the contract signing is scheduled for next Wednesday (July 30),” Topolinski said this summer, adding French retailer Cora still had a lease agreement for the mall.
Since then, the developer has not provided any other timeline on the project.
Carrefour Romania declined to comment.
“Carrefour Romania will not comment on this information. We can confirm we are continuing expansion with all our retail formats and all new openings will be communicated at the appropriate time,” Carrefour Romania said in a statement.
Cora Romania officials have not offered any comment. The french retailer announced in summer this year it halted its expansion plans on the local market. However, at that time, it maintained its intention to open a hypermarket in the Victoria City shopping center.