Responsibility for the leasing management of the FÜRST Berlin project has transferred from CELLS to Newmark as of July 2026. CELLS, previously responsible for project development and asset management, has transferred the task to commercial real estate expert Newmark. Newmark will henceforth act as 'Owners Representative' for the large-scale property ensemble on Kurfürstendamm in Berlin.
CELLS will, however, remain with the project in its capacity as general planner for the structural implementation. The decision to hand over leasing management followed a two-year phase in which CELLS comprehensively oversaw the project, from structural development to marketing, including the conclusion of tenancy agreements.
Josip Kardun, CEO of FÜRST, expressed confidence in the continued cooperation with CELLS in the construction sector. At the same time, Newmark is expected to engage more strongly with international tenants. The aim is to attract additional companies and brands to FÜRST as part of the mandate. The Newmark team, led by Nathalie Wegner and Richard Jütte, is tasked with strengthening FÜRST's positioning, identifying target tenants, and managing market engagement.
Marcus Lütgering, Country Head Germany at Newmark, emphasised the significance of FÜRST as a 'statement for the future of City West'. He highlighted that a project of such prominence requires a partner who both understands the Berlin market and possesses a network for attracting international users.
Shifting Responsibilities
In its role as general planner, CELLS will in future focus on coordinating tenant planning and fit-outs. Jan Trenn, CEO of CELLS, stated that they are proud to have established FÜRST, in close cooperation with the project managers, in the Berlin office market. They will now concentrate on the structural matters entrusted to them and pass on the baton in the area of leasing. The handover reflects strategic adjustments in project management to optimise further development and marketing.
FÜRST is designed as a modern, mixed-use property ensemble in City West. The total area of approximately 106,000 square metres on Kurfürstendamm includes a mix of uses. This comprises around 58,000 square metres of office space and approximately 14,200 square metres for culture and leisure. Additionally, areas for retail and gastronomy are planned.
