The construction work at Alexanderplatz for the modernisation of the Kaufhof department store into the “Galeria Weltstadthaus” and the construction of an office high-rise building is proceeding according to plan. This was announced by the developer Commerz Real and the Senate Administration for Urban Development, Building and Housing. Accordingly, preparations are currently underway for the bodyshell construction of the office tower, which is scheduled to start as early as January 2024. In November 2023, Commerz Real, whose real estate fund hausInvest included the project, announced that the construction company Züblin had been commissioned with the bodyshell work. After completion in 2026, the entire ensemble is expected to have around 100,000 square metres of floor space.

As Commerz Real confirms in this context, the urban development contract originally signed by the previous owner Signa Prime was transferred to hausInvest with the sale of the properties in June 2023. This mainly affects the existing rental agreement with the Galeria department store. As it is modernised during operation, temporary closure is not necessary. “From both the fund’s economic point of view and in light of our self-image as a reliable partner of the State of Berlin, we fully support the urban development contract concluded,” emphasises Mario Schüttauf, fund manager of hausInvest. The lease agreement with Galeria Weltstadthaus is therefore not under discussion.

New highlight in the centre of Berlin

The construction project will be implemented on the basis of the I-B4a development plan for Alexanderplatz adopted by the Senate Administration for Urban Development, Building and Housing in 2000 and the urban development contract concluded by the State of Berlin with the project-executing agency in 2022. The design of the Kleihues and Kleihues office was closely coordinated with the Berlin Building College. Important project features, such as an innovative sustainability concept, the publicly accessible roof terrace and areas for public use are in line with the high-rise building mission statement for Berlin.

Located in an absolutely central location and perfectly connected from a logistical point of view, the office tower with its modern spaces and versatile uses will be the new highlight in the centre of Berlin. The 134-metre-high tower was designed by the Berlin-based architecture firm Kleihues und Kleihues and comprises around 30,000 square metres of flexibly usable office space overlooking Berlin. Keeping the rooms open and spacious, they should be equipped with modern and intelligent technology and floor-to-ceiling windows. 1,000 square metres were pledged to the State of Berlin for commercial use for the benefit of the public.

The department store will continue as the Galeria Weltstadthaus. In addition, around 1,650 square metres are planned for a high-quality food area and small-scale retail on the first floor and ground floor. On the two upper floors, a so-called food culture market covering around 3,500 square metres is planned to combine enjoyment, culture and shopping. The spacious roof terrace overlooking the Berlin television tower should be publicly accessible.