DERICHS u KONERTZ Projektentwicklung GmbH and FAMOS Immobilien GmbH are transforming the former Ford Motor Company research centre in Aachen. The project, known as Competence Centre S200, is set to provide modern research and development facilities from autumn 2026. These facilities will include offices and industrial units and are intended for long-term use by RWTH Aachen University. The undertaking continues the site's long-standing research tradition and illustrates the possibilities for the sustainable redevelopment of existing properties.
The site at Süsterfeldstraße 200 in Aachen was established by Ford Motor Company as its European research centre in the late 1990s. For many years, technologies for the automotive industry were developed there, including alternative propulsion systems, digitalisation, driver assistance systems, vehicle development, sustainable materials, and intelligent mobility solutions. The closure of the Ford site in 2024 marked the end of an era but opened up the possibility for a reorientation of the area. Competence Centre S200 builds on this history and ensures its continuation as a research and innovation hub.
Sustainable transformation as a strategic priority
The project embodies the approach of sustainable existing building transformation instead of new construction. Given the increasing demand for modern facilities and the growing importance of sustainability, resource conservation, and climate protection, the revitalisation of existing buildings is gaining significance. After renovation, the approximately 11,300 square metre plot will comprise around 6,500 square metres of office space and approximately 2,000 square metres of industrial units. This approach contributes to resource conservation and climate protection by preserving large amounts of so-called grey energy and reducing land consumption and material usage.
Dr. Achim Buschmeyer, Managing Director of DERICHS u KONERTZ Projektentwicklung GmbH, stated that Competence Centre S200 exemplifies how an existing property can be transformed into a future-proof innovation hub. He emphasised that this project is proof that sustainable urban and project development does not exclusively have to take place on new sites, but rather the future of construction increasingly lies in developing existing potential.
Strengthening Aachen as a centre of science
Long-term use by RWTH Aachen University gives Competence Centre S200 particular importance. The combination of modern office units and flexibly usable industrial units creates the conditions for research, further education, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The use by RWTH Aachen University focuses on digitalisation and robotics in construction, climate-neutral and resource-efficient construction, and communication and media technologies. Competence Centre S200 will represent an important infrastructural component for science and innovation in Aachen.
- —Aachen as a leading science and innovation hub.
- —Close cooperation between universities, research institutions, and companies.
- —Optimal conditions for implementing new technologies.
- —Competence Centre S200 as the project partners' second collaboration.
Competence Centre S200 is the second joint project of DERICHS u KONERTZ Projektentwicklung GmbH and FAMOS Immobilien GmbH in Aachen. The partners are continuing their collaboration after the new construction project “Office West,” which is located opposite Competence Centre S200 and is also used by RWTH Aachen University, thereby reaffirming their commitment to the Aachen location.
