The Lindhorst Gruppe, as the building owner, and the general contractor MBN, Georgsmarienhütte II branch, have placed the topping-out wreath for the Ems-Quartier in Meppen. This ceremony marks an important milestone in the project's construction progress. Attendees included Helmut Knurbein, Mayor of the City of Meppen, Matthias Funke, First City Councillor, and Hendrik Wirths from the architectural and general planning office Chapman Taylor.
The topping-out ceremony was held in the presence of around 100 guests, during which the last nails were traditionally driven in. The roof structure of the building is complete, representing a significant step in the revitalisation of the former shopping centre. Visitors gained deeper insights into the project development, which has been undergoing active conversion for approximately one year and is increasingly taking shape.
Urban Relevance and Project Progress
Mayor Helmut Knurbein emphasised the importance of the Ems-Quartier for the city of Meppen, describing it as a crucial building block for the city centre. The quarter closes the existing gap between the railway station and the old town and will comprehensively expand the local retail, service, and cultural offerings. Mr Knurbein highlighted that the project signals Meppen's attractiveness and provides modern, sustainable infrastructure for the growing city.
Angelina Graudons, Managing Director of Ems-Quartier Meppen GmbH, explained the project's timeline. She referred to the gutting of the property at the end of last year as the first visible step, followed by intensive conversion and shell construction works since spring. The topping-out ceremony was recognised as a significant milestone for both construction progress and the overall project, with thanks extended to all participants for their achievements to date. Completion is scheduled for summer 2027.
Carsten Völkerding, Branch Manager at MBN, commented on the construction process. He confirmed that a conversion of this magnitude always presents challenges, but the project is proceeding fully to plan. The placing of the topping-out wreath is proof of the collaborative partnership between all project participants on site. With the building envelope now closed, preparations are underway for the interior fit-out during the upcoming colder months.
Concept and Sustainability of the Ems-Quartier
The Ems-Quartier, located at Bahnhofstraße 10 in Meppen, has been transforming into a sustainable mixed-use quarter since its vacancy at the end of 2024. Across an area of approximately 23,000 square metres, it will accommodate retail, gastronomy, office, fitness, hotel, as well as cultural and educational uses. An underground car park complements the offering. Prior to the project's start, tenants such as B&B HOTELS, REWE, and Deichmann were announced. Subsequently, the return of Woolworth and dm-drogerie markt, along with new tenants like a fitness studio and a K-Kiosk, have been confirmed.
The quarter's location is characterised by its adjacency to Bahnhofstraße and its direct position on the Ems tributary flowing to the south, thereby creating a connection between the railway station and the old town. In the immediate vicinity, the city has designated the "Rechts der Ems" redevelopment area, where approximately 1,000 new residential units are expected to be built by 2030. For all-weather accessibility to the Ems-Quartier, 468 parking spaces are planned on two levels in the underground car park.
A central concern for the Lindhorst Gruppe is the preservation of the existing building fabric to conserve resources and avoid emissions. Planned interventions are limited to what is strictly necessary, while measures such as a partial roof lowering create new usage possibilities and generate a green, light-filled inner courtyard. The aim is BREEAM certification with an "Excellent" rating, which includes the integration of a photovoltaic system and the optimisation of operating costs. The promotion of the regional economy through the involvement of regional construction companies and service providers, as well as the enhancement of the local retail offering by well-known chain stores, are also components of the concept. This concept combines ecological, economic, and social aspects of sustainability.
