Supporting Berlin-based companies by investing in business-related infrastructure

Today the Senate approved funding for new projects in business-related infrastructure for the next few years, based on a proposal from Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Labor, Ramona Pop. The Joint Task for the Improvement of Regional Economic Structures (GRW) is the most important economic development instrument in Berlin.

Senator Ramona Pop: “The new GRW projects are important investments in the future, secure jobs, and benefit Berlin’s economy. With the expansion of Berlin’s Südhafen harbor in particular, we are supporting environmentally friendly and city-compatible commercial transport through the use of waterways. By increasing the capacity of the Südhafen, including its rail facilities, in the future more goods can be shifted from road to waterway again, and to rail as well. This will allow us to provide alternative transport routes for the commercial sector that are both environmentally sensible and economical thanks to the lower noise, lower energy consumption, and lower CO2 emissions than road transport. Over 43 million euros will be invested in it by 2027. We are financing 90 percent of this from the funding program of the Joint Task for the Improvement of Regional Economic Structures.”

Furthermore, the construction of two new bridges, the Schulenburg Bridge in Spandau and the Sellheim Bridge in Pankow, is planned for commercial traffic and the improved connection of commercial enterprises. In addition, traffic connections and internal development as well as stormwater drainage measures for Pankow Park will be funded in the coming years.

Start-up entrepreneurs will also benefit from GRW funding. In Berlin-Mariendorf, a start-up center (makerspace) will be built in a former factory building, along with the entire infrastructure, which will also be newly constructed on the site. These include roads, drinking water and sewage lines, and power lines. Around 1,000 new jobs will be created in Berlin by attracting companies, as well as both up-and-coming and current start-ups.

The continued expansion of long-distance cycling routes is also taking place. The Berlin-Leipzig long-distance cycling route is being extended along the route of the Berlin Wall Trail - Jenbach Trail in Berlin-Lichterfelde. This will add an attractive link and a new tourist attraction to Berlin’s network of bike paths.

Additionally, the GRW supports the new construction and expansion as well as the equipment of educational facilities. Funds are provided for the purchase of machinery, workshop furniture, and training models for the new BVG training center. These are earmarked for the expansion of the new training center. Apprenticeships in the technical and industrial sector will increase by 60 percent to 144 places.

As an instrument of regional development, the GRW is anchored in the German Basic Law as a joint federal and state task to create equal living conditions. The Federal Government and the State of Berlin each provide 50 percent of the funding.

On the one hand, the money flows into the promotion of Berlin-based companies and is used for investments in new settlements or the expansion of existing locations. On the other hand, investments are being made in improving the business-related infrastructure in Berlin. The aim is to secure jobs and create new sustainable jobs.


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