The investment and asset manager ALÌTUS Capital Partners is pushing ahead with the comprehensive revitalisation of the office and commercial complex KALA | Central Campus Darmstadt. The focus is currently on the conversion of the existing building into modern office and laboratory space for the main tenant AB Enzymes, the planned conversion of another part of the building into a fitness studio and the fundamental renovation of the underground car park.
AB Enzymes, a leading biotechnology company, is also investing heavily in additional equipment and technology standards within its rental space. These include additional venetian blind systems, high-quality floor coverings appropriate to the use, an increased proportion of glass walls, more powerful ventilation systems, a demineralized water system for laboratory areas, high-quality interior lighting, video surveillance and extended requirements for the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The equipment is supplemented by an open ceiling design with visible technical building equipment (TGA), the energy-efficient renovation of the façade and the mullion-transom constructions, the installation of modern measurement, control and regulation technology (MSR) and the use of the district heating of the Science City of Darmstadt.
For the approximately 130 employees of AB Enzymes, a new, needs-based location with high-quality office and laboratory space is being created on a total of around 7,200 m². In addition, around 1,900 m² of the total 13,100 m² of rental space is available at the Central Campus Darmstadt, which can be individually expanded.
Manfred Kronas, Managing Partner of ALÌTUS Capital Partners, says: “With the revitalization of the Central Campus Darmstadt, we are creating a future-proof commercial location that combines modern working environments, sustainable building standards and a balanced mix of uses. In addition to the technical and structural modernisation, we attach great importance to additional offers that increase the quality of stay for the users of the area. AB Enzymes’ extensive investments strengthen the site’s long-term prospects and at the same time underline its high quality.”
And Martin K. Nielsen, CEO at AB Enzymes, adds: “As an anchor tenant, we have been closely involved in the further development of KALA from the very beginning and see this as an important contribution to a modern, user-oriented working environment. The gradual revitalisation of the project and the addition of the mix of uses create additional offers and concrete added value for employees and local companies. The additional investments in our space will enable us to create a long-term research and work location with high-quality laboratory and office space.”
Gutting completed – interior work started
According to plan, the demolition and gutting work in the KALA began in October 2025. The gutting of the property has now been completely completed inside and out. Immediately afterwards, the interior work began. Currently, work is underway in the drywall, shell construction and interior plastering trades, among others. At the same time, preparatory measures are being carried out on the façade for the installation of sun protection systems and thermal insulation. In addition, the window strips including glazing are currently being replaced and the building services trades are in the starting blocks for their start of execution.
The start of construction was preceded by a planning phase lasting several months, which ALÌTUS carried out together with the main tenant AB Enzymes and numerous specialist planners on behalf of LIST BiB, Bielefeld.
Sustainability and certification
The project will be implemented as a KfW 55 building; The starting point was a so-called Worst Performing Building (WPB). Together with LIST BiB and LIST Eco, the prerequisites for DGNB Gold certification are being created. In addition, accessibility measures will be implemented as part of the project development. The dismantling and gutting by a specialist company is accompanied and balanced, with the aim of reusing as many materials as possible or returning them to the recycling cycle.
Planned conversion to gym
Parallel to the ongoing construction work, ALÌTUS is planning the conversion of the rotunda building (component 2). The building permit for the project has been available since May; preparations are currently being made for the start of construction. On around 1,900 m² of rental space, the realization of a fitness studio of the partner FitX Germany is planned. This is intended to expand the range of services and leisure activities at the location in a targeted manner.
Thorough renovation of the underground car park started
The renovation of the underground car park with around 440 parking spaces has been carried out since January 2026. Geiger Bauwerksanierung GmbH, Mainz branch, was commissioned with the work as the general contractor.
After preparatory measures and protective work on the TGA lines, the dismantling of existing structures and coatings began. Concrete repair work is currently being carried out using the high-pressure water jet method. Among other things, the repair of joints and load-bearing components, a new coating and the conversion to modern LED lighting are planned. Due to the generous area structure, additional parking spaces for cargo bikes will be created. The equipping of some of the parking spaces with charging stations for electric vehicles and a charging station for e-bikes are planned.
Further information: kala-darmstadt.de
