HHLA Immobilien has let the first 4,500 square metres in Block V of Hamburg's Speicherstadt to the international consulting and auditing firm Baker Tilly. This deal represents a significant step in the district's largest refurbishment project. Baker Tilly will relocate its Hamburg office to the historic Speicherblock in 2028.
The historic Block V on Brooktorkai is part of the ongoing structural and functional realignment of the Speicherstadt. With this letting, HHLA Immobilien is preparing another listed building for contemporary use. This underscores the Speicherstadt's development as an established and versatile commercial district, a role it has held for approximately 140 years.
Continuity and Contemporary Work Environments
A representative from HHLA Immobilien commented on the project's philosophy, which aims to responsibly redevelop historical building fabric while enabling modern work environments. With Baker Tilly, the Speicherstadt gains a tenant who values the special quality of the location and contributes to its long-term preservation and development. In Germany, Baker Tilly is one of the largest independent, partner-led consulting firms with around 1,740 employees across ten locations. The company will consolidate its Hamburg activities at the new site.
A Baker Tilly representative stated that the Speicherstadt combines history, identity, and the future in a way that aligns well with the company. The historic Block V offers a work environment that reflects the company's values and provides employees with a unique workplace. The renovation measures in the Speicherstadt aim to conserve resources, preserve building history, and create high-quality work environments. Block V integrates the listed substance of the UNESCO World Heritage site with modern building technology, creating a work environment that connects historical structure with contemporary use.
The letting process was facilitated by Grossmann & Berger Immobilien. A representative of the real estate agency emphasised that Baker Tilly's decision for Block V demonstrates that innovative space concepts can be successfully implemented in the Speicherstadt's listed office spaces. He anticipates continued high demand for these spaces. There are also historical parallels: Baker Tilly's history, much like the Speicherstadt's, dates back to the early 20th century. Both represent continuity and renewal. The first letting in Block V signals the ongoing vitality of the Speicherstadt as a place of work that preserves its historical identity while creating space for future developments.
