Today, on September 24, Kesko Senukai opened its largest K-rauta store in Estonia at Raadikeskus. The new, 19,000 m² store also marks the opening of the first building in Raadikeskus, bringing construction, garden, and household goods to the rapidly developing Raadi area, along with drive-in service and other modern solutions.
The new store, with an investment of nearly 5.5 million euros from K-rauta, is the company's largest in Estonia so far, and its opening marks an important milestone in the story of Raadikeskus. The 15,000 square meter sales area is complemented by a 4,000-square-meter outdoor sales area. Since Raadikeskus consists of several buildings, the opening of K-rauta is the first major step in the completion of the entire development. In addition to the store building, the project also includes the construction of streets and technical networks in the area.
„Our newly opened flagship store in Tartu maintains K-rauta's strong foundation in construction and renovation, but offers a significantly more versatile selection for the entire home. Visitors will find under one roof solutions for construction, repair, furnishing, and gardening, as well as for everyday life and leisure needs,“ said Julius Baranauskas, Senukai Group's Head of Business Development. He added that Raadi's K-rauta offers a much larger selection of home appliances and electronics than before, including large and small household appliances, climate solutions, televisions, and smart devices.
According to Marko Raudsik, Member of the Management Board of Ehitustrust OÜ, the construction period and cooperation went well. „From a construction perspective, it was a simple building, but the large workload and developing infrastructure made it more complex, as streets and communications had to be built in the area. Compared to other large building material stores, this project placed more emphasis on landscaping and biodiversity,“ said Raudsik.
The new store is opening at a time when the Raadi area is rapidly growing, supported by both residential and commercial property developments. The opening of K-rauta strengthens the range of services in the area and gives visible momentum to the development of Raadikeskus before the addition of the next buildings and tenants.
The Raadikeskus project is supported by SEB as a financial partner with more than 20 million euros. According to Anu Arnover, Head of Real Estate Financing at SEB, the new K-rauta is one of the most outstanding commercial real estate investments in Southern Estonia in recent years. „Even during periods of lower consumer confidence, the Tartu retail market has remained strong, and the demand for high-quality retail spaces and services in good locations is still high. Astri Group's vision matches this trend in the rapidly developing Raadi area. SEB is pleased to support a project that contributes to the further development of one of Southern Estonia's most important regions,“ said Arnover.
According to Kairi Toom, CEO of Astri Group, the opening of K-rauta is an important step. „Raadikeskus is a big deal for the whole area, but also for Astri Group. We took a position in Raadi almost 20 years ago, and now we are at a point where the development of the area and the trust of Kesko Senukai have brought us so far that today we are giving the starting signal and opening the first building of Raadikeskus, the K-rauta store, bringing exactly what is in clear daily demand to the fast-growing Raadi area. Our plan is to grow and develop together with the area. Until now, buying home and construction goods for residents of this area has often meant a separate trip to another part of the city, but now it will become much more convenient,“ said Astri Group CEO Kairi Toom.
K-rauta alone will create 135 new jobs in Raadikeskus; a substantial new infrastructure will be built in the area, including streets, light traffic roads, and bus stops. „The planning focused on pedestrian-friendliness and creating good connections with the Raadi district. In addition to retail, we are bringing exercise and sports opportunities to the area with the self-service gym Gym! and the padel center Padelstar, both opening next year,“ added Toom.
„A store with a solid selection of construction and home goods is very welcome in Southern Estonia and especially in Raadi. For Tartu municipality, it is important that the K-Rauta store kickstarted the whole development of Raadikeskus, and soon more necessary services and goods will be added to the area. It is also significant that it is a major employer whose arrival will certainly diversify local employment opportunities,“ explained Jarno Laur, Mayor of Tartu Municipality.
Raadikeskus, with a building area of 19,000 m², is located at Keskuse tee 8. Later this year, Maxima will also open its doors in Raadikeskus.
Photos by Mikk Otsar.
