Aroundtown has successfully let the multi-storey car park at Berliner Platz 4-5 in Essen to APCOA Deutschland GmbH. The newly concluded lease agreement covers 520 parking spaces and has a term of 15 years. With this agreement, the real estate company secures a specialised operator for the property in Essen city centre.
The official takeover and operational launch by APCOA Deutschland will take place on 1 November 2026. Under the long-term lease, the company will not only manage parking operations, but will also comprehensively digitalise the entire parking process on site.
Digitalisation of parking operations without barriers or tickets
The future operating concept involves a fully digital process. In place of conventional barriers and paper tickets, automatic number plate recognition will be deployed to log arriving and departing vehicles digitally. Physical barriers will no longer be used.
In addition, APCOA is installing new pay machines and converting the car park exclusively to cashless payment methods. Customers will be able to settle parking charges by credit card, contactless payment or via mobile apps. The concept aims to ensure short entry and exit times, a convenient parking experience and efficient operational processes at the site.
Central city centre location with high footfall
The property occupies a central micro-location at Berliner Platz. Major footfall drivers such as the Limbecker Platz shopping centre and the Essen campus of the University of Duisburg-Essen are within a few minutes' walk. Furthermore, one of Germany's largest multiplex cinemas is situated in the immediate vicinity.
- —Direct connections to underground, tram and bus services via the Berliner Platz stop
- —Outstanding accessibility for private vehicle traffic
- —Strong demand potential driven by nearby educational, retail and leisure amenities
The 15-year lease provides Aroundtown with long-term planning security and strengthens the sustainable earnings capacity of the car park. The agreement reflects the portfolio holder's strategic approach to enhancing assets for the future through long-term partnerships with established operators.
