The current status of the old Karstadt on Wandsbeker Markt is detailed here.
In Hamburg's Wandsbek district, the former Karstadt property on Wandsbeker Markt is set to undergo a significant transformation. Slated to become a new hub for the Wandsbek district office, the 20-year lease agreement between the city's finance authority and Union Investment was finalized last week.
The renovated building, comprising around 11,400 square meters, is anticipated to house approximately 370 employees, including personnel from basic security, youth welfare office, general social service, and social space management, among others. A front office catering to citizen concerns will also be established.
TENTATIVE RELOCATION HINGES ON APPROVAL
However, prior to the project's official commencement, the Hamburg City Council's approval is necessitated. Hamburg's Finance Senator, Andreas Dressel, expressed satisfaction with the arrangement, describing it as a "practical and sensible solution." If approved, the district office will occupy an attractive location.
Deputy District Office Manager, Thorsten Baer, shared his enthusiasm for the move, stating that employees could participate in the facility's design, fostering a pleasing working environment.
LARGER URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
The Westhafen-Harburg-Wandsbek project, spearheaded by Union Investment, extends beyond the district office. The initiative encompasses the creation of apartments, offices, retail spaces, and an event and gastronomy hall. Post the demolition of the old parking garage in summer 2025, renovation work will commence, with a projected completion date of late 2028.
This latest development signals a shift towards adaptive reuse of existing structures in urban development, consolidating various district administration services into a centralized location with optimized accessibility and public transport connections.
The financial authority in Hamburg, through Union Investment, has invested in the transformation of the former Karstadt property, aiming to establish a centralized business hub for the Wandsbek district. As part of this development, there are plans to integrate real-estate ventures, such as residential units, offices, and retail spaces, as part of the larger urban development project dubbed Westhafen-Harburg-Wandsbek.
