Reconstruction of the Boulevard Kastanienallee in Berlin-Hellersdorf
The reconstruction phase of the project “Redesign of the Boulevard Kastanienallee” in Berlin Marzahn-Hellersdorf has started. The aim of the project is to upgrade and reinvigorate the boulevard. To achieve this overall aim, the project is focusing on three key action points: to renew the children’s play areas, to upgrade the central square in the boulevard and to build areas for exercise and relaxation.
The redesign work is being carried out as part of a project run by the Boulevard Kastanienallee neighbourhood management team. The project is receiving support in the amount of EUR 300,000 from the building fund “Social Cohesion” [Sozialer Zusammenhalt]. And Deutsche Wohnen is providing a further EUR 300,000 for the redesign of the external areas.
As Stefanie Koch, managing director of Deutsche Wohnen Immobilien Management GmbH, explains, “We are one of the biggest landlords in Marzahn-Hellersdorf. This is why it is particularly important to us to be involved in the design of these residential neighbourhoods. The initial conceptual design, the process of public consultation and the specific planning work have all been completed, so we have come a long way. With the start of the construction phase, the work that has been done during the past few years will now become visible and tangible. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this process, and, in particular, the local borough and the Boulevard Kastanienallee neighbourhood management team for their successful collaboration.”
Dagmar Pohle, the mayor of the Borough of Marzahn-Hellersdorf, adds, “The redesign of the Boulevard Kastanienallee, which is being jointly managed by Deutsche Wohnen, has benefited from numerous suggestions from local residents. This entire project will make the boulevard a much nicer place in which to spend time. Moreover, with the addition of new flats along the boulevard, the public face of this area will change significantly for the better.”
Redesigning the boulevard for both young and old
The focus of the redesign work is to create a multi-functional space in the centre of the boulevard that is intended for events and as a place for neighbours to meet and spend time. One of the most important measures is the construction of new play areas which can be used by children of a variety of ages. In addition, there will be exercise and event areas for further age groups and target groups. In the northern section of the boulevard, for example, there will be structures for parkour activities, whilst in the southern section there will be a calisthenics area in which people can train without weights using a variety of bars and poles.
Public participation process in 2017/18
In 2017 and 2018, various participation activities focussing on specific target groups and involving the residents of the Boulevard Kastanienallee neighbourhood took place. These activities ranged from a survey regarding types of play area to neighbourhood walks. Against the background of the wishes and suggestions that emerged from this consultation process, an overall plan for the design of the boulevard and for the specific construction measures necessary was developed. This comprehensive participation process was carried out by the registered association bwgt e.V.. The same organisation is now also responsible for the redesign phase. The construction work will be completed in the summer of 2021.
Deutsche Wohnen
Deutsche Wohnen is one of the leading publicly listed residential property companies in Europe. The business focus of the company is on managing its own portfolio of residential properties in dynamic metropolitan regions and conurbations in Germany. Deutsche Wohnen sees itself as having both a social responsibility and a duty to maintain and newly develop good-quality and affordable housing in vibrant residential neighbourhoods. As at 31 March 2020, the portfolio comprised a total of around 165,000 units, of which 162,000 are residential and 2,900 commercial. Deutsche Wohnen SE is listed in the Deutsche Börse’s DAX and is also included in the leading indices EPRA/NAREIT, STOXX Europe 600, GPR 250 and DAX 50 ESG.