How should SPAR shopping malls be upgraded in health parks?

Vinzenz Group Service wants to build health parks in cooperation with Spar Austria. The partnership contract was signed at the end of July, and the first implementation is scheduled for 2026, the company said in a press release. The aim is to promote regional health care in a sustainable way. The centers will be developed in selected shopping locations of Spar European Shopping Centers GmbH (SES).

Wide range of healthy options

By establishing the joint venture “TWOmorrow Gesundheit GmbH”, the shareholders want to pool their competencies and offer a wide range of healthcare options. This includes a mix of optional services, health insurance and private services as well as free offers such as self-help groups and funded projects. The practices are to be managed by independent entrepreneurs who work together in a managed network. Cooperation with partners is to be regulated by cooperation agreements.

“Simple and uncomplicated”

The two companies have a 50 percent stake in the company and, if approved by the antitrust authorities, want to build health complexes in selected locations. In Upper Austria, there is the Weberzeile shopping center in Ried im Innkreis, the Max.Center in Wels and the Varena in Vöcklabruck, the Oberösterreichische Nachrichten reported.

“We have to build modern and sustainable healthcare where people spend their daily lives. SES shopping centres are meeting and living spaces where we can provide residents with health and prevention offers in a simple and direct way,” said Michael Heinisch, Chairman of Vinzenz Group.

“special importance”

SES is Spar Austria’s company and has 31 shopping locations across Europe. According to Spar CEO Markus Wild, health is of particular importance to the Spar Group. The Vinzenz Group Service, a subsidiary of the private Sankt Vinzenz Foundation of the Sisters of Mercy, operates seven health parks in Upper Austria and Vienna with around 350 partners. Health parks are also to be established in the federal states that do not yet have facilities.