Project and area developer BPD (Bouwfonds Immobilienentwicklung) has received planning permission for the second phase of the 'DU! Dachgarten Unterbilk' neighbourhood in Düsseldorf. On Volmerswerther Strasse, 149 additional rental flats will be constructed. Together with the first construction phase completed in 2025, which comprises 91 units, the total scheme will grow to 240 rental flats. The first phase is already fully let; in addition, the day-care centre integrated on the ground floor commenced operations at the start of the year.
Construction on the second phase is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with structural completion targeted for the end of 2028. The first tenants are expected to move in at the beginning of 2029. Construction firm PORR is responsible for delivery as general contractor. Its managing director, Armin Schneehain, emphasised that the permit represents a major milestone, with the focus now turning to reliable and high-quality implementation.
Differentiated housing provision and energy standards
Against the background of altered market conditions, BPD has further refined the concept to meet sustained demand in the Düsseldorf rental market. The plan provides for a mix of open-market and rent-subdued units with two to five rooms and living areas between 50 and 140 square metres. All residential units will feature private outdoor spaces in the form of balconies, terraces or individual gardens. Düsseldorf-based practice Konrath und Wennemar Architekten Ingenieure is responsible for the architectural design.
The scheme adheres to defined sustainability criteria and is being delivered to the Efficiency House 40 standard. DGNB Silver certification from the German Sustainable Building Council is being targeted. Heat supply is provided via district heating, complemented by photovoltaic systems, green facades and extensive green roofs.
- —Shared roof garden of approximately 350 square metres as well as a play area to enliven the neighbourhood
- —81 car parking spaces equipped with electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- —More than 300 bicycle parking spaces including dedicated areas for cargo bikes
- —Good public transport links via bus, light rail and suburban rail (S-Bahn) lines within walking distance
Nationwide investment drive without forward placement
The development in Unterbilk forms part of a nationwide initiative by BPD with an investment volume of EUR 500 million, through which around 1,000 rental flats are to be created. Alexander Heinzmann, CEO of BPD Germany, explained that as a long-term developer, the company intends to target the delivery of homes where they are most urgently needed. Notably, the project is progressing without a pre-sale quota and without an end-investor tied in from the outset.
