Six years after the initial project launch, VIVAWEST has announced the completion of 64 residential units in the “Barbara Höfe” in Essen’s Ostviertel. The construction project, which was realised on the former site of the Barbara Church, marks the conclusion of a challenging project development. Haluk Serhat, Managing Director of VIVAWEST, commented on the successful completion at the inauguration ceremony, which was also attended by representatives of the Diocese of Essen and project partners.
Construction began in mid-2020 on the approximately 5,100 square metre plot of land, located between Barbarakirchgang and Elisenstraße, east of Essen city centre. A significant challenge arose when the original project developer, from whom VIVAWEST was to take over the turnkey apartments, had to file for insolvency after about two years of construction. This led to VIVAWEST acquiring the plot of land and the new construction project, continuing its realisation under its own management.
The completed five multi-family houses comprise three to four storeys and offer 64 barrier-reduced apartments with floor plans ranging from one to four rooms. Living spaces vary between 35 and 101 square metres to appeal to different target groups such as singles, seniors, couples, and small families. All buildings are supplied with district heating and comply with the KfW 55 standard. An underground car park with 61 parking spaces, as well as five outdoor parking spaces and 64 bicycle parking spaces, complement the parking facilities for future tenants. Marketing for the apartments began in spring; the first tenants will move into their units in September.
A special element of the district is the integration of an approximately 90 centimetre tall and over 100-year-old statue of Saint Barbara in the green inner courtyard. This statue originally stood in the Barbara Church, which was located on the same spot until 2020, belonged to the Diocese of Essen, and was deconsecrated in 2014 and demolished in 2020. The sculpture, which was also blessed by Essen’s Cathedral Provost Dr. Michael Dörnemann, commemorates the historical significance of the site and serves as a central point of the tenants’ garden. Dr. Dörnemann expressed his satisfaction that the former church property is now becoming a home for people.
Haluk Serhat emphasised the significance of Saint Barbara as the patron saint of miners, which establishes a connection to VIVAWEST’s company history, closely linked to mining. This local and historical anchoring contributed to the decision to give the statue a place of honour in the new district.
The “Barbara Höfe” benefit from their central location, which allows for quick access to daily necessities. A bus stop is located in the immediate vicinity. Connections to the A40 and A52 motorways are available within a few minutes’ drive. Essen Central Station and the city centre are less than two kilometres away, further highlighting the attractiveness of the location. Some residential units are currently still available for rent.
