What lessons have been learnt?
The most important lesson is that we must never stop improving ourselves. We have always expected the best from our actions. Because of that, our motto has become ''Expect the best''.

What was the size of the total investment?
Plaza Romania had to be adjusted a number of times in order to respond to all the demands coming from the market. So far, the total investment has been 45 million euros.

Was it difficult to find investors for this amount, for the Romanian real estate market?
It is a large sum of money, but I believe it was more difficult and challenging to start this kind of business in a country where such a concept was unknown. Bucuresti Mall was the first shopping centre or mall-type development in Romania, and that was an advantage as well as a disadvantage. The advantage was that we were the first who brought this concept to Romania, and the disadvantage was that we were the first who brought this concept to Romania!

Do the investors come from real estate backgrounds?
Romania is the first country where Anchor Grup's investors developed commercial centres and I would like to add that they are happy they made this choice.

What about the architects and building teams: what have they done before?
The main contractor of Plaza Romania is Summa Romania, which developed the project made by a British-Romanian company called Westfourth Architecture, who in turn worked closely with the London-based Burrows Cave International. Summa Romania has developed many projects throughout Russia and in Chisinau and Burrows Cave International has developed commercial centres, office centres and residential compounds all over Europe.

How will Plaza Romania interact with Cora being so close by?
I think, from the beginning, that we are talking about two different projects. Plaza Romania is an integrated concept of shopping, entertainment and leisure and it can only interact with projects that can provide the same combination.

How were your experiences with the authorities?
We have excellent relations with the authorities, who have supported us to help create a number of interesting projects. Thanks to the special support of the Sector 3 City Hall, Anchor Grup has financed the building of a park, Veverita Park, located in the same sector. At the same time, Bucuresti Mall offers a retail outlet dedicated to handicapped people, which is part of a programme developed with the National Authority of Persons with Handicaps, called ''Our creation, your joy!''

This year, Bucuresti Mall had the pleasure to be host a visit from the European Council. Ms Vera Boltho, the Director of Public Health from the Social Department of the European Council, and Mr Florian Salajeanu, the President and Secretary of State of the National Authority of Persons with Handicaps, visited the stand at Bucuresti Mall.

We have recently established a foundation, Anchor Grup Foundation, through which we will continue to sponsor Casa Doru, the foster home located in Sector 3, where more than 60 children with HIV benefit from regular supplies of food. We intend to do the same for the community surrounding Plaza Romania.

Will there be a large leisure element at Plaza Romania?
The entertainment facilities are highly represented in Plaza Romania by the biggest cinema from the Balkans, Movieplex, with eleven screens of varying size, and a 3000 sqm amusement centre including a bowling alley. Plaza Romania is also providing a spa centre for spa enthusiasts, and there will be a dedicated playground area for children.

Besides these specific leisure facilities, there will be organised many events at which everyone will be welcome.

How many such centres do you think Bucharest can absorb of this type? Are there plans to build malls in other cities?
The factors that determine the success of a shopping centre are numerous, and sometimes the volume is not as important as the quality of the service that is provided. I believe that a development process is underway in Romania. Lots of projects of different shapes and sizes have appeared in the past several years. For the moment, we are concentrating on the opening period of Plaza Romania, but our interest may expand to other cities and property sub-sectors.

What impact will Plaza Romania have on the other retailers in the area?
At this moment Plaza Romania is developed under the motto of ''Expect the best'' and for that, Plaza Romania possesses all the necessary qualities to meet the highest demands of any retailer or customer. If our estimates are right, Plaza Romania expects 15 million visitors per year.

Retailing is a local business - what did you take as your inspiration?
The best inspiration we have had has come from the demand for quality retail space from retailers, and from the customers looking at the numerous advantages that a shopping centre can offer.

How do you see Bucharest developing from now, in retailing terms?
Bucharest has begun developing rapidly and it can absorb more projects. The best proof is Plaza Romania.

What new names of shops and other outlets will be present at Plaza Romania ?
There will be at least 15 new names, including Zara, Promod, Jennyfer, Athlet's Foot and Levis. I invite you to the opening of Plaza Romania to see them yourselves.