New living in Hamburg-Ottensen: Bunker becomes an efficient house!

New living in Hamburg-Ottensen: Bunker becomes an efficient house!

Hamburg-Ottensen is experiencing a significant transformation process: demolition work on the high-rise bunker on Behringstrasse has begun to make room for urgently needed, publicly subsidized apartments. Richard Ditting GmbH & Co. KG has been commissioned with the renovation in collaboration with the municipal housing association SAGA. This conversion is part of a larger city plan to create more housing for low- and moderate-income people. Development city reports that this project has been politically supported for years and fulfills a key promise from 2015 to create subsidized housing.

Political representatives have advocated for this new building in order to significantly improve the housing situation in the Altona district. As part of the city's current housing policy, an annual budget of at least 3,000 publicly subsidized new rental apartments is made available to meet the need for socially acceptable housing. Hamburg.de informs that around 37,600 rental apartments were supported between 2011 and the end of 2024 and around 30,500 of them have already been completed.

New building with space for everyone

The new building includes 66 units that are particularly suitable for singles, couples and families. The apartments are between 60 and 90 square meters in size, barrier-free and offer additional comfort with balconies, loggias or roof terraces. An underground car park with 22 parking spaces and 148 bicycle spaces is also planned in the inner courtyard. The net rent will be an attractive 7.25 euros per square meter, which corresponds to the price level set for subsidized housing construction. This pricing policy is intended to ensure that lower-income households also have access to housing.

The architectural design of the new building is harmoniously integrated into the cityscape with facing masonry and bright inner courtyard facades. The dismantling of the old high-rise bunker is being delayed due to complex static dependencies and open questions with tenants. The work is expected to be completed by summer 2026, while completion of the new building is targeted for early 2029. This closes an important building gap that is of considerable importance for urban development Development city emphasized.

The path to the new apartment

But what does the path to the new apartment actually look like? When looking for an apartment in Hamburg, those interested can City living turn around. Depending on the tenant's decision, the rental agreement can often be signed on the same day. In many cases, landlords allow bookings without a viewing, which significantly speeds up the search. Rents usually include additional costs, which provides additional clarity. The accommodation placement is free of charge for tenants, and the option of receiving confirmations of landlords online makes it easier to register with the Hamburg authorities.

The creation of living space is a challenge given the ever-increasing population and the growing demand for urban living space. But projects like the one in Ottensen are a step in the right direction to actively promote social housing and sustainably improve what is on offer. The new building will not only be an architectural highlight, but above all an important contribution to the social balance of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg.