In conversation with Oliver Igel
He took the helm in the Treptow-Köpenick district in 2011
In early 2022, Oliver Igel moved even closer towards the Technology Park. This is due to construction work at Köpenick City Hall, which forced the district mayor of Treptow-Köpenick and his department to make a temporary move to the Allianz Campus in Adlershof. Before Igel and his staff gradually move back into the historic building, starting in 2025, we talked to him about his current neighbourhood.
Adlershof Journal: What do you value about your neighbourhood?
Oliver Igel: We have been very well received here. Thanks to our move to Technology Park Adlershof, we have been given the unique opportunity to become part of a dynamic and future-oriented environment—in addition to the colleagues that have been based here already. The vicinity to innovative companies and leading research institutions has not only enriched the way we work but also opened up new perspectives on collaboration and knowledge exchange. We especially appreciate the vibrant community here in Adlershof, which is shaped by a mixture of research, industry, and culture. Being able to walk to many appointments is also great.
What events do you remember from the past two years at the Technology Park?
I was lucky enough to visit a variety of companies. For example, JENOPTIK Optical Systems GmbH in their new building, or the commercial and industrial courtyards along Gerhard-Sedlmayr-Strasse, Lichthaus Berlin GmbH, or Riot Games—these and many others were real highlights. I am also happy to see that Adlershof is thinking “bigger”, be it through close cooperation with Berlin-Chemie AG or the expansion of Gleislinse area, which now extends all the way to Johannisthal S-Bahn station.
Do you have some favourite spots at the Technology Park already?
Yes, Forum Adlershof. A remarkable place where history and modernity meet. The square lies at the heart of Technology Park Adlershof and is lined by restaurants, green areas, and the institutes of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Moreover, I really enjoy the short way across the S-Bahn bridge into Alt-Adlershof with its historic town centre. Incidentally, Adlershof is celebrating its 270-year anniversary this year.
What new developments are you expecting for the historic Adlershof neighbourhood?
By decision of Berlin’s Senate, the area around Dörpfeldstrasse has been included in the “Lively Centres and Quarters” funding programme, which was previously named “Active Centres”. These developments are part of a comprehensive urban development programme that aims at modernising the centre of Adlershof and enhancing its appeal. The redesign of the marketplace and Dörpfeldstrasse will improve the quality of life in Adlershof in the years to come and strengthen the local economy. There will be no future for the Marktpassagen shopping mall, however, which opened in 1997. It will give way to a new residential quarter.
What is it you particularly value about your district?
The Treptow-Köpenick district is unique and diverse. People who come here can hardly believe that they are in the middle of a major city. The combination of nature, industry, and culture make Treptow-Köpenick a very attractive place to live, work, and relax.
What do you want for Treptow-Köpenick?
There is no time to rest. It's important that we keep that going—that’s progress. As the district mayor of Treptow-Köpenick, my ideal is a district that is ecologically responsible, fosters innovation, offers economic opportunities, holds cultural riches, strengthens social cohesion, provides efficient transportation solutions, and makes housing available to everyone. These are the pillars that will make Treptow-Köpenick a liveable and future-oriented place for everyone.
Peggy Mory for Adlershof Journal