Focus on diversity

Editorial by Michael Müller, Senator for Urban Development and the Environment

Berlin is growing. To maintain growth, a steady supply of building land is essential. By developing the residential quarter "Wohnen am Campus" at the heart of the science city of Adlershof, the state of Berlin is responding to growing housing demand. Currently, a total of approximately 1,000 flats and 380 student apartments for roughly 2,500 residents are being created there. More than half of the newly-built rental flats will be located in apartment buildings to be erected by two municipal housing associations – degewo and Stadt und Land, cooperatives, and private investors. Owner-occupied flats will round off the residential quarter.

Starting from the 2014/15 winter term the Adlershof's student village will give fresh impetus to the quarter. Its proximity to the university as well as to science and research institutions will make for short distances.

Pre-investment into the park and the tramway connection is beginning to make an impact. Thanks to targeted public investment into traffic connections and infrastructure, excellent conditions for life and work have been created over the past two decades. In order to further tap the location's potential and provide much-needed housing, adequate land-use plan changes are currently being initiated. At the same time, the “city within a city“ model i.e., the proven mix of working, studying, living, shopping and recreation, will be upheld so as to create a vibrant and urban neighbourhood. Next to a high sojourn quality and good local amenities, the science, technology and media location's merits include the successful location of more than 1,000 businesses whose 15,500 employees are excellently connected, benefitting from Adlershof's synergy effects. The location of additional businesses creates further momentum. New ideas are put into practice, sustainably contributing to Adlershof's success.

Signed in 2012, the agreement with Deutsche Bahn AG on the technology location's extension by a further 30 hectares marks an important milestone. In collaboration with Adlershof Projekt GmbH, the development agency and trustee of the Federal State of Berlin, we will continue our commitment to this important location in the years to come.