Joint neighbourhood project by Berlinovo and Berliner Bäder-Betriebe combines public services of general interest with sustainable urban development
Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the realisation of the “Holzmarkt 51” district project in Berlin-Friedrichshain. Together with the Mayor and Senator for Finance and Senator for Culture and Social Cohesion, Stefan Evers, the Berlin State Secretary for Sport, Franziska Becker, and other guests, Berlinovo Immobilien Gesellschaft mbH and Berliner Bäder-Betriebe gave the official starting signal for one of the most important inner-city development projects in the capital.
On the approximately 6,300 square metre site of the former swimming pool on Holzmarktstraße, an urban quarter will be created in the coming years that combines popular, school and competitive sports, affordable housing and modern working environments. The heart of the project is a new public swimming pool, whose water surface will be doubled compared to the former pool. It will be supplemented by around 375 apartments for students and publicly accessible open spaces and roof areas, as well as a commercial section of around 6,100 square metres, which will comprise 4,600 square metres of modern office space and 1,500 square metres of retail space for businesses close to the neighbourhood on the ground floor. The investment volume is around 170 million euros.
Joint start of construction for a quarter with a future
The event was accompanied by the double Olympic champion and multiple world champion in swimming, Britta Steffen, who underlined the special importance of swimming as the godmother for the planned swimming pool, as well as by pupils from the neighbouring GutsMuths primary school and their headmistress Kathrin Herfet-Sternberger.
With “Holzmarkt 51”, two state-owned companies are jointly implementing a project that exemplifies how urgently needed public infrastructure and new uses can be brought together on scarce inner-city land. The first indoor swimming pool in Berlin to be built over with apartments is being built. At the same time, the quarter enables a noticeable expansion of the swimming facilities, relieves the housing market and forms a new lively place for the population of the surrounding districts.
Sports, housing and urban development intelligently combined
The new building replaces the swimming pool, which has been closed since 2018 and can no longer be renovated. In the future, two modern 25-metre pools will be available for school, club and leisure sports. By separating the two water areas, different user groups can train and swim in parallel, which significantly improves the offer for Berliners.
The project also sets new standards in terms of urban development with its mixture of sports, work and local amenities. Green inner courtyards and publicly accessible roof areas complement the usage concept and contribute to a sustainable urban climate. The construction project is being built according to plans by the architectural firm Eller + Eller, Berlin. PORR GmbH & Co. KGaA ZNL Berlin Hochbau was commissioned with the structural realisation. Hitzler Ingenieure GmbH & Co. KG is responsible for construction project management
Quotes on the groundbreaking ceremony
Stefan Evers, Mayor and Senator for Finance and Senator for Culture and Social Cohesion: “Berlin needs more housing, a good public infrastructure and the courage to break new ground. At Holzmarkt 51, we are bringing exactly that together: affordable housing, a new swimming pool and climate-friendly development on an area that we use sensibly for the city. Two state companies are jointly showing what is possible when we don’t just talk about progress, but make it.”
Iris Spranger, Senator for the Interior and Sports:
“With the new indoor swimming pool and its four modern pools, we are doubling the water surface at this location. Schools, clubs and the public benefit from this. The new building at Holzmarktstraße 51 is an important building block in the overall strategy for the further development of Berlin’s swimming pools. We invest specifically in renovations, energy-efficient measures and new buildings. By 2030, the state of Berlin will provide more than 600 million euros for this purpose.”
Alf Aleithe, Managing Director of Berlinovo Immobilien Gesellschaft mbH: “Holzmarkt 51 is one of the most exciting urban development projects that Berlinovo is currently realizing. Together with the Berliner Bäder-Betriebe, we are creating an urban quarter that fits into the neighbourhood and has an impact far beyond the boundaries of the property. The combination of sports, living and working as well as public open spaces creates a lively place for the neighbourhood and at the same time sustainable added value for the entire city.”
Caroline Oelmann, Managing Director of Berlinovo Immobilien Gesellschaft mbH:
“This project shows what is possible when two state-owned companies break new ground: Berliner Bäder-Betriebe contributes the property, and in return, Berlinovo builds the new swimming pool for them as the general contractor. Such a model needs viable legal and economic solutions and, above all, trust and the willingness to take joint responsibility.”
Dr. Johannes Kleinsorg, Chairman of the Board of Berliner Bäder-Betriebe:
“With the new swimming pool, we are creating significantly better conditions for school and club sports as well as for all Berliners who want to learn to swim or train regularly. The modern facility will offer significantly more capacity and make an important contribution to swimming supply in the capital.”
Britta Steffen, guest of honour and Olympic champion and swimming world champion: “Every new public swimming pool is an investment in health, education and quality of life. I am very pleased that a place is being created here where children learn to swim, talents are promoted and people of all ages can find joy in exercise.”
