Berlin: Planning Certainty for Project at Central Transport Hub

The Berlin House of Representatives has, as expected, approved the draft development plan VI-140cab for the Urbane Mitte project. With this decision, the first construction phase has now obtained formal planning approval, marking the initial implementation stage of the overall Urbane Mitte development.

On the site located along the southern edge of Gleisdreieck Park in Berlin-Kreuzberg, two buildings—rising 25 and 49 meters respectively—will be constructed, providing a total gross floor area of 23,700 square meters. The upper floors will accommodate a hotel and serviced apartments for temporary living. The podium levels are planned for retail, dining, and education- and sports-oriented uses, with retail space covering approximately 1,000 square meters.

Quarter Development with Mixed Uses

Additionally, the ground floors will feature public amenities focused on sports and community activities with direct access to the park. The 16-hectare Gleisdreieck Park will remain fully preserved and completely accessible to the public. The development is taking place on a largely sealed site at a well-connected transportation hub and will be accessible to the public upon completion.

Dr. Simon Kempf, Managing Partner of Periskop Development GmbH, stated: “The decision by the Berlin Senate to advance the development of Urbane Mitte at Gleisdreieck now provides the necessary planning certainty for one of Berlin’s most significant inner-city urban development projects. After many years of intensive coordination with the state, district authorities, and other stakeholders, we can now consistently move forward with the creation of this vibrant neighborhood for work, culture, sports, and community life. Our special thanks go to Dr. Markus Vogel, whose firm, Dr. Vogel GmbH, has been instrumental as a development partner in facilitating and advancing the complex coordination and planning processes between the State of Berlin, the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, and Deutsche Bahn.”

Dr. Stefan Franzke, Managing Director of Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH, added: “The Berlin Senate’s decision regarding Urbane Mitte am Gleisdreieck highlights the reliability of Berlin’s political framework and the predictability of major urban development projects. For developers and investors, this sends an important signal: in Berlin, they can rely on long-term commitments and clear regulatory conditions. This strengthens confidence in our city as a stable and attractive location for business and investment. At the same time, the integration of residential and commercial spaces within the neighborhood opens new opportunities in the competition for skilled professionals: those who can find modern, well-connected housing close to their workplace are more likely to choose Berlin and a local employer. Urban, mixed-use developments like Urbane Mitte combine work, living, and mobility – a key competitive advantage for the capital in the global race for talent.”

Next Steps for Implementation

A design competition will be launched shortly, inviting renowned architecture firms to present their concepts for the site’s architecture and landscape design. Construction will begin as soon as the building permit is granted.

With the newly approved land use, the State of Berlin and the project owner, Urbane Mitte Besitz S.à r.l., are jointly enabling a broader mix of uses.


For more information on the region's economic development or support for businesses, investors, and research institutions, please contact:

Sandra Koletzki ​​​​​​ | sandra.koletzki(at)airport-region.de

(Source: Periskop Development GmbH, 02|27|2026 | “Zoning Approval Granted for “Urbane Mitte Süd” in Berlin”)