The Deutsche Bundesbank has taken a decisive step towards realising its future headquarters. A Europe-wide negotiated procedure with a call for competition has been initiated for the new central office. In contrast to the original campus concept, the central bank is now focusing on acquiring a turnkey property. This can be either a new build or a core-renovated existing property and must include a suitable plot of land within the Frankfurt city area.
Stephan Bredt, Chief Operating Officer of the Bundesbank, commented on the publication of the tender, emphasising that the purchase of a new central office represents an economical, modern, and sustainable solution for the bank's headquarters. The project is structured into two main phases to ensure comprehensive and transparent processing. The careful planning underscores the commitment to a long-term viable real estate solution.
Phases of the Tender Process
The first phase of the process involves the actual tender procedure, which includes a call for competition as well as a bidding and negotiation phase. This phase aims to conclude a purchase agreement. The second phase then follows, where the contractor identified in the tender procedure is responsible for the planning, construction, or renovation of the property. These works will continue until final acceptance by the Bundesbank and the subsequent relocation of employees.
The selection of suitable applicants within the tender process is based on objective suitability and minimum criteria. Following negotiations, the Bundesbank will determine the most economically advantageous offer for the acquisition of the new headquarters based on specific award criteria. These criteria include, among others, price, building quality, project execution efficiency, and the acceptance date. Mr. Bredt also highlighted the relevance of a favourable location and excellent public transport links to optimise accessibility for employees, external business partners, and visitors.
Requirements and Objectives
The Bundesbank aims to award the contract by the end of 2027. The planned new headquarters is intended to provide capacity for approximately 2,500 workplaces and additionally include around 15,000 square metres of usable space for special and functional areas. This will enable the creation of a location that comprehensively meets the future requirements of the Bundesbank. A Bundesbank project team, together with external consultants, has meticulously developed the requirements for the new headquarters.
In addition to legal and economic aspects, functional parameters such as security, sustainability, technical building equipment, and interior design were also considered when defining the requirements. The overarching goal is the realisation of an equally economical, sustainable, and future-proof new headquarters for the Deutsche Bundesbank in Frankfurt.
