planning permission was granted. The project was also presented to the Committee for Urban Development together with the Committee for Economy and Tourism on December 9. This marks an important milestone on the way to more living space and a lively new district center.
Emine Demirbüken-Wegner (CDU): “As the district mayor responsible for the economy, I have been closely involved in the realignment of the project and have been particularly committed to ensuring that a strong, sustainable retail and restaurant offering is created alongside the urgently needed living space. A lively district center only works if shopping, amenities and quality of life are considered together. The concept now available strengthens the Märkisches Zentrum as a supply location and meeting point in the district and is an important signal for economic development in the Märkisches Viertel.”
Five residential and commercial buildings with a total of 690 apartments are to be built on the approximately 19,100 square meter site. The apartments on the first floor levels will be supplemented by commercial units with a total area of around 10,000 square meters, including a large local supplier, which have yet to be approved. This will provide shopping facilities and services directly on site. There are also plans for an underground car park with 153 parking spaces, some with charging points, numerous bicycle parking spaces and
new play and recreation areas in courtyards, on roofs and in outdoor areas.
The current project differs significantly from the earlier plans from 2020, when a single, very tall building with predominantly commercial use was planned. However, due to changing market conditions, this project was not realized. A new concept was then developed in close cooperation between investor Cheyne Capital, project developer Laborgh Investment and architects IOO and the district authority. The aim was not only to create as much living space as possible, but also an open, lively district with a high quality of life – well connected to the Märkisches Zentrum and Märkische Zeile. The proportion of residential space was almost doubled compared to the old plan.
District Councillor for Urban Development, Ms. Stephan (B’90/Greens), says: “The Märkisches Quartier shows how something really good can emerge from a difficult starting position. Together with the investor Cheyne Capital and the project developer Laborgh Investment, it has been possible to develop an urban quarter with plenty of living space and a lively center from a purely commercial design. The collaboration was open, constructive and solution-oriented – this is how we imagine successful urban development. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues from the urban development department, who implemented this complex project so carefully, purposefully and professionally in such a short space of time.”
Jan Moench (Head of Residential Development Berlin, Cheyne Capital) and Florian Lanz (Managing Director, Laborgh Investment) emphasized in a joint statement: “We would like to thank the district authority for its close and cooperative support. The building permit that has now been granted is the result of this joint process and gives us planning security for the next steps.”
With the approval, the formal basis for the realization has been created – the investor must provide the impetus for the start of construction. District Councillor Stephan adds: “I very much hope that we will see each other again soon at the ground-breaking ceremony and that construction can begin quickly.”