Berlin construction projects face delays and cost disputes

The renovation of the historic Wernerbad swimming pool in the Marzahn‑Hellersdorf district has stalled. The Berlin Senate cited high construction costs and disagreements over the conversion of those costs into annual rent as the main obstacle. The land‑owned housing company Berlinovo plans to replace the pool with a care facility offering 113 permanent, 31 short‑term and 16 day‑care places, but the hospital group Vivantes, Berlinovo and the Senate cannot agree on a viable rent level.

Behind the Haus der Statistik in Berlin‑Mitte, work on a new administrative, residential and commercial quarter has progressed. Excavation began in 2022 and, after site clearance, the relocation of utility lines started in June. A draft development plan has been released for public comment until 21 August, with proposals for a future “Rathaus der Zukunft” expected to be completed between 2032 and 2034. The project is being built by the KOOP5 consortium, which includes the Berliner Immobilienmanagement GmbH, the district office, the housing company Berlin‑Mitte mbH, the Senate’s housing department and the ZUKunft Berlin cooperative.