History and Setting
-
15ha site, since 1830 used for industrial
production -
Most important industry on this site –
Borsig production of locomotives, steam
engines and boilers -
Economic changes - production
declined - became contaminated industrial
brownfield -
In 1992, revitalisation was initiated by
Herlitz AG (producer of office equipment
and stationery), which founded the developer company Herlitz Falkenhöh AG (later RSE Projektmanagement AG)
Impact of Change – Situation before Revitalisation
Chances
Fall of the Berlin Wall: high expectations
Excellent location (infrastructure, environment, development capacity of
the district)
Famous history and name
Challenges
Program of the City of Berlin to help sustain industrial sites (Nov. 1992)
- restrictive land use designation
- Consequence: close co-operation with the City of Berlin, adaptation to
needs
Uncertain economic development in Berlin
Costs difficult to estimate - e.g. for decontamination,
restoration of listed buildings (historic preservation)
How did the City deal with Change?
Key factors
Vision
Co-operation with the City
Flexibility on both sides (City and developer)
Necessary steps
Discussions
Concept for integrated mixed use (1993)
Studies about potential
Plans and contracts between City and developer
Preservation of historic buildings but adapted to new needs
Situation at present
A good integration into the urban fabric was achieved
Current uses on site:
- Industry on site (Motorola, Herlitz)
- Trade and Commerce
- Shopping center “Hallen am Borsigturm”
- Retail (approx. 120 shops), international gastronomy, services
- Cultural and sports facilities (cinema, fitness studio, bowling center)
- Technology centre for “new” industries with integrated incubations centre “Phönix”
- Office park for production oriented services and Hotel
- Offices and health centre
- 208 flats
