As part of the Heuer Immobilien Dialog Hamburg, Oliver Ohm, Regional Manager North at BBE Handelsberatung, presented the results of the analysis "A Market Hall for Hamburg". This new publication by BBE Handelsberatung contextualises the historical development of market supply in Hamburg, compares six possible locations and defines the prerequisites for the successful implementation of such a concept.
The question of a market hall for Hamburg has been the subject of discussions for some time. The current analysis provides a well-founded answer: Hamburg fundamentally possesses the potential for a market hall, provided that the concept, location and the operator's expertise are precisely aligned. Oliver Ohm explained that Hamburg historically was not a classic market hall city; supply developed through open-air markets, port logistics and wholesale market structures. This particular starting position offers the opportunity to design a market hall as an urban reinterpretation that integrates fresh produce trade, gastronomy, regionality and neighbourhood development.
The location analysis carried out identified differentiated potentials for the exemplary sites examined. Locations such as Karstadt Osterstraße and Kampnagel Jarrestraße thus show the highest pedestrian catchment potential. Altona station offers high footfall potential for a transit-oriented format due to its central location and excellent public transport connections. The Sternschanze wholesale meat market scores with its historical relevance and existing parking facilities but shows the lowest pedestrian population density. The Gruner & Jahr and Bergedorf areas could be suitable for specialised or district-specific niche formats.
Timm Jehne, Head of Real Estate Consulting at BBE Handelsberatung, emphasised the relevance of a complex interplay of various factors for success. Reference projects such as Markthal Rotterdam, Torvehallerne in Copenhagen and Hobenköök in Hamburg's Oberhafen demonstrate the breadth of the format, but also make it clear that architectural design alone is not sufficient. Decisive factors are reliable daily footfall, a clearly defined and curated mix of uses, an appropriate space and cost structure, and a professional operator model. A market hall can be economically viable, in particular, if freshness, gastronomy, regional products, specialities and quality of stay are combined to create a unique experience.
Hamburg already has successful examples of market culture, including Hobenköök in Oberhafen, the Rindermarkthalle St. Pauli, Isemarkt and the Fish Market, which prove the demand for and acceptance of such formats. The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce also positions the implementation of a market hall concept as an objective for strengthening the city centre and promoting mixed-use concepts. As next steps, the publication recommends an in-depth feasibility and location analysis, which should include an economic viability calculation, a competitive analysis and concrete concept development. This would involve a detailed examination of the actual catchment areas, visitor and revenue potentials, the requirements of the respective property, and potential operator and financing models. The white paper serves as initial professional guidance for politics, administration, the real estate industry, project developers and potential operators.
