The conversion of the Hinter Hoben site was already planned at the time of purchase
PROXIMUS has been granted planning permission to convert all the office space in the Dottendorf district of Bonn. The property at Hinter Hoben will be developed into 21 new flats, providing much-needed housing. Construction work is due to begin shortly.
PROXIMUS acquired the property in 2025 as part of its residential property strategy for Cologne, Bonn and Düsseldorf. Even then, it was clear that the office space was to be converted into flats. Now that planning permission has been granted, the company can put this plan into action. The new flats are being built within the existing building structure – in a resource-efficient manner and without sealing off any additional land. A total of 21 flats will be created, complementing the existing stock of 90 residential units at the site. A private park and the development’s own underground car park, with over 100 parking spaces, offer additional quality of living.
The development in Bonn-Dottendorf builds on the company’s long-standing expertise in the conversion of existing buildings: for over two decades, PROXIMUS has been successfully converting office space into residential accommodation. The company had already completed several such projects long before the conversion of vacant offices became a topic of wider discussion. The focus here is on how properties can be developed in the long term, regardless of their original use.
“Many people talk about converting office properties that are no longer marketable into residential accommodation. We’ve been doing this for more than 20 years,” says Malte Boness, CEO of PROXIMUS Real Estate AG. “With Hinter Hoben, we are implementing exactly the plan we had when we acquired the property, and are developing the portfolio in line with local demand. Beyond this project, we see great potential in the Rhineland: vacancy rates are particularly high in B and C-grade office locations, and many of these spaces will continue to struggle to attract office tenants in the future. Where these spaces are suitable for residential use, we want to capitalise on this potential and redevelop existing buildings rather than build new ones.”
The acquisition and development of residential property in the Rhineland form a key focus of PROXIMUS’s investment activities. In doing so, the company not only focuses on the management of existing flats, but also creates additional living space through change of use, adding storeys and infill development.
