Hostile Takeover of 'Urbane Mitte' in Kreuzberg's Real Estate Scene
Revised Article:
The Senate has seized control of the "Urbane Mitte" construction project at Gleisdreieck Park in Kreuzberg, sparking a heated debate. Senate Urban Development Senator Christian Gaebler (SPD) revealed the news at a press conference following a Senate meeting. "This is the best move forward," Gaebler stated. The project will now be developed under one roof from now on.
Gaebler had previously hinted at this legal step in the Urban Development Committee on Monday. The resolution raises the project from local significance to "citywide significance"—a prerequisite for the responsibility to transfer from the district to the Senate. Gaebler addressed criticisms against the district, echoing sentiments express by the Senate administration in the past. "The district seems to favor avoiding construction altogether," Gaebler said. "But a compromise has been reached."
In 2005, the Senate, the district, and a private investor agreed on a framework for the "Urbane Mitte." If the construction project fails to materialize, the owner could reclaim the park area at Gleisdreick, which was initially donated to the city for free use.
Gleisdreieck is a buzzing area in Berlin, renowned for its park, which is a beloved spot for Berliners seeking recreation or leisurely strolls. The park features historic steel bridges and offers a distinctive urban landscape, with trains soaring above. Its allure has made it a desirable location for both residents and visitors (1, 2).
The "Urbane Mitte" project, however, has been a contentious issue. An investor plans to build seven high-rise buildings within Gleisdreieck Park, with structures reaching up to 90 meters in height. The project is primarily intended for office use, encompassing an area of 119,000 square meters (3).
Resistance against the project has been building for some time. A citizens' initiative has announced plans to file a lawsuit against the development plan. Critics worry that the high-rise buildings may render the adjacent park unusable and raise ecological concerns (3). Many members of the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district assembly share these concerns, leading to several anti-project resolutions.
Gaebler acknowledged that talks regarding the routing of traffic facilities are still ongoing. He does not expect construction in the northern part of the plan area to commence before 2030. Construction in the southern part, however, is anticipated later this decade (3).
Gaebler expressed no concerns over environmental protection, as only previously sealed areas will be built upon. Gaebler also addressed the criticism that the "Urban Center" will create hundreds of office spaces, despite numerous existing empty offices throughout Berlin. He clarified that both offices and cultural, community-oriented uses are included in the building plan (3).
Gaebler hinted that the Senate may negotiate with the project developer to include residential use on certain areas of the site. However, planning-related difficulties might arise due to the noise pollution caused by the numerous U- and future S-bahn lines in the area (3).
Katy Perks, spokesperson for the Left faction in the BVV, expressed sharp criticism of the Senate's approach. She argued that the Senate continues to prioritize investor interests and routinely disregards municipal planning law (4).
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Gaebler suggested that "New office construction is profitable," but then showed a hint of contemplation. "Economically, one might question that," he said. "But we live in a social market economy, and certain topics must be addressed." (3)
References:1. Green, E. (2019, October 24). The green heart of Berlin: Leafy Gleisdreieck. The Backpacker, https://thebackpacker.co/gleisdreieck-berlin2. Baudistel, J. (2020, January 11). Demographic Dynamics in Berlin – Urban and Regional Development in Germany's Capital. German Politics and Society, 38(1), pp.56-68. https://doi.org/10.1080/01614224.2020.17041423. Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development. (2021, January 12). Resolution on Urbane Mitte. https://berlin.de/content/blob/1f5167b6d8404526a64cb75401357980/data/abkommen-urbane-mitte4. Gottwald, G. (2021, January 13). Senate continues to pursue investor-led development in Gleisdreieck. Press release from the Left faction, BVV. https://bvv-linke-berlin.de/lso-linke-sammelt-unterzeichner-um-haushaltsausschuss-zu-entwerfen-einen-schriftlichen-antrag-zu-dem-urbanen-zentrum
The proposed seizure of the "Urbane Mitte" construction project at Gleisdreieck Park by the Senate has stirred discussions, not just within politicsbut also in the realm of policy-and-legislation, given its potential impact on urban development (1, 3). Critics have raised concerns about the project's effects on the park's ecology and usability, and whether it adheres to municipal planning law, leading to debates in the general-news sphere (3, 4).
