The real estate project “CENTRAL” in the heart of Stuttgart has reached another project milestone. Following the successful completion of demolition work and the granting of the building permit in mid-July, the structural construction phase is now beginning. Hines, an internationally active real estate investment manager, has commissioned the joint venture (ARGE) WOLFF & MÜLLER and Diringer & Scheidel to carry out these works. The erection of a large crane in the centre of the construction site will make the start of construction visible in the cityscape during the current month.
The “CENTRAL” is located in close proximity to Stuttgart City Hall and the traditional department store Breuninger. The location also offers direct access to the Rathaus tram stop. Hines acquired the existing property in 2022 for the Hines European Property Partners (HEPP) fund. The company is developing this component of the city centre into a modern mixed-use location, which is intended to provide impetus for the immediate surroundings. The project is designed with five upper floors and two basement levels.
Sustainability and Certifications
In the spirit of resource-efficient development, the outer walls and large parts of the existing basement levels will be retained. These elements will be integrated into the new above-ground construction. The resulting ensemble is designed to promote sustainability, digitalisation and user comfort. A DGNB Platinum certification is being sought for “CENTRAL”. Additionally, WiredScore and SmartScore certifications are planned. The requirements of the AFBA (Alliance for Allergy-Friendly Construction) will also be implemented. Building operations are intended to be fossil-free and bilaterally CO₂-neutral in Scopes 1 and 2, with no compensation planned through the purchase of certificates.
By the end of last year, auditing and consulting firm Deloitte had already concluded a lease agreement for approximately 9,000 m² of office space. On the ground floor, spaces for retail, boutiques, daily necessities, cafés and gastronomy are being created. On the distribution level in the first basement, with direct access to the Rathaus tram stop, two further retail units will be realised. Discussions are currently underway with potential tenants for the remaining spaces. The “CENTRAL” optimises access to the tram stop and creates a new connection between Stuttgart city centre and the Leonhardsviertel, which strengthens the connectivity of the adjacent district and contributes to urban development.
Timeline and Strategic Importance
Emanuel Coskun, Senior Managing Director at Hines Germany, stated that with the start of structural construction, a new phase for “CENTRAL” is beginning. He emphasised that not only will a state-of-the-art and sustainable building be created, but also the further development of Stuttgart city centre will be promoted. The combination of resource conservation through the preservation of the existing structural framework with contemporary architecture and a future-oriented user experience was highlighted. Together with Deloitte as a long-term office tenant and a diverse offering of retail and gastronomy, a vital location with high quality of stay will be created. Completion of the shell construction is forecast for the end of the first quarter of 2027. The full completion of the overall project is expected by June 2028.
