HanseMerkur Grundvermögen AG (HMG) and Quantum jointly performed the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Gänsemarkt Höfe in Hamburg. The ceremony took place on the base slab of the emerging office and commercial complex. Around 100 invited guests from politics, administration, business, the real estate sector, as well as representatives from the neighbourhood and the planning and construction team, were present. Among the participants was Hamburg's Finance Senator, Dr. Andreas Dressel.
This act marks another important milestone for the prominent city centre project, following the official start of construction in July 2025. After the speeches, a time capsule was traditionally walled in. This capsule contains current daily newspapers, coins, and detailed information about the construction and the developers, to provide future generations with an authentic insight into the period of the Gänsemarkt Höfe's creation.
Significance and Concept of the Project
Eberhard Sautter, CEO of HanseMerkur, stated that the Gänsemarkt Höfe represent a special project for HanseMerkur. Its proximity to the company headquarters underlines the deep connection with Hamburg. A new, vibrant piece of the city centre is being created here, combining the functions of working, shopping, gastronomy, and meeting. He emphasised that this commitment signifies taking responsibility for a location that will shape Hamburg's cityscape for decades.
Hamburg's Finance Senator, Dr. Andreas Dressel, highlighted that the Gänsemarkt Höfe demonstrate how private investments can generate concrete added value for Hamburg's city centre. The reliable progress of this ambitious construction project is a positive signal for Hamburg as a location and for the development of its city centre. He looks forward to a good neighbourhood after returning to the renovated administrative headquarters at Gänsemarkt.
Malte Andes, Deputy CEO of HanseMerkur Grundvermögen AG, confirmed that construction is progressing as planned. A premium property combining high-quality architecture, excellent infrastructure, and urban planning responsibility is being created in a prime location at Gänsemarkt. Philipp Schmitz-Morkramer, CEO of Quantum Immobilien AG, added that the Gänsemarkt Höfe are taking shape with the groundbreaking ceremony. A new place in the heart of Hamburg is being created that will enrich the city centre, and this important undertaking is being realised with great care and high-quality standards, together with HanseMerkur Grundvermögen and all project participants.
Project Scope and Realisation
A modern office and commercial complex is being realised on the site of the former Gänsemarktpassage. Generously designed courtyards and passages are intended to connect the ensemble with the historic Colonnaden and the urban environment. The planning includes areas for high-quality retail and gastronomy, as well as flexible office spaces. Additionally, terraces and communal areas are planned to ensure enhanced quality for future users.
High sustainability standards are being pursued for the project. HanseMerkur Grundvermögen acquired the previously stalled project development in early 2025 and subsequently commissioned Quantum with its realisation. Official construction began with the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony on 15 July 2025. Completion of the overall project is scheduled for the end of 2028. The development at Gänsemarkt was acquired by HanseMerkur Grundvermögen for one of its investment vehicles, in which third-party institutional investors can also participate. HanseMerkur Grundvermögen manages real estate assets for over 70 institutional investors, including pension schemes, pension funds, insurance companies, banks, savings banks, foundations, and family offices.
