Berlin Senate Approves Development Plan for Urbane Mitte Süd

With the Senate's approval of the Urbane Mitte Süd development plan on July 1, 2025, the State of Berlin has laid the legal groundwork for a landmark construction project in the heart of the capital. As Christian Gaebler, Berlin’s Senator for Urban Development, emphasized, the development plan represents “a crucial first step towards realizing the overall ‘Urbane Mitte’ project.”

Periskop Development GmbH welcomes the Senate’s decisive action, particularly the commitment shown by Senator Christian Gaebler. The foundation for the Urbane Mitte project was established back in 2005 through an urban planning framework agreement jointly developed by the Senate and the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district. A specific mixed-use concept for the site was defined in 2010 with the adoption of the “Inner City Plan 2010.” Building on the results of a public workshop held in 2015 and the subsequent urban design competition, a realization competition is now underway. This will set the stage for the official start of construction.

The Senate Department for Urban Development highlights key features of the project in a press release:

“On the southern section of the sealed brownfield site of the former freight station, a building ensemble with two prominent structures, standing 49 and 25 meters tall, will be constructed. A vibrant neighborhood will emerge through a mix of small-scale commercial spaces and social facilities dedicated to language, education, and sports, located within the ground-floor areas. The upper floors will feature modern office spaces and a hotel. Due to the immediate proximity to the rail tracks of BVG and Deutsche Bahn AG, residential use is not feasible in this location.”

Christian Gaebler, Senator for Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, adds:

“With the development plan for Urbane Mitte Süd, we are creating the legal framework for a lively and diverse urban district at Gleisdreieck. Together with the park and the excellent public transport connections, this project will establish an urban hub in the heart of the city for all Berliners.”

Dr. Simon Kempf, Managing Director of Periskop Development, highlights:

“The Senate’s decisive action paves the way for a new urban district at a highly frequented transportation hub after ten years of intensive project preparation. This clear signal demonstrates that the Senate is not only a reliable partner for the business community but is also firmly committed to accelerating approval processes, streamlining planning procedures, and ensuring more efficient administrative action in Berlin.”

The new district will be built entirely on sealed land, creating a vibrant urban center amidst the railway tracks. The adjacent Gleisdreieck Park will not only remain untouched but will also benefit from the project’s diverse open-space concepts, which aim to enhance and complement the park in meaningful ways.

Dr. Kempf adds:

"Creating quality spaces through a diverse mix of uses is the key to achieving long-term acceptance by the community. Our goal with Urbane Mitte at Gleisdreieck is to establish a true 'neighborhood for everyone'—a place characterized by vibrancy, inclusivity, and sustainability. This is the core principle guiding our planning team and the standard we hold for this project."