PATRIZIA acquires former glassworks area in Gerresheim, Düsseldorf
PATRIZIA has acquired an approximately 200,000 square meters plot of the Gerresheim glassworks in the Düsseldorf district of Gerresheim. The seller is
O-I, the world’s leading manufacturer of glass packaging. The two companies have thus paved the way for the development of the site, which is known by the name "Düssel-Park". The corresponding concept, which was developed in a workshop process together with the city and its inhabitants, foresees the creation of an urban quarter with residential and commercial property as well as areas with local amenities and a park. The total project volume is €210 million.
PATRIZIA sees a big chance for Gerresheim in the redevelopment of the approximately 200,000 square meter former glassworks area. "The former glassworks area has great potential. We are pleased to be able to create a new, lively urban quarter for Gerresheim with a park as its centerpiece," declared Jürgen Kolper, Managing Director of PATRIZIA Project Development GmbH. The concept foresees the design of new housing and industrial real estate for service enterprises and craftsman’s businesses as well as retail space. Large parts of the area are to be unsealed and greened and the Düssel is to be renaturated. A contemporary refurbishment is planned for listed buildings. Along with the old boiler house and the power station, these are to form the entrance of the newly to be created park. Facilities for cultural offerings and public events are also planned.
O-I also continues to be involved in the development of the site in the Düsseldorf district of Gerresheim: "It is very important to us to work together with the investor, the city and the environmental authorities to ensure that the glassworks site is once again available to the people of Düsseldorf for all kinds of activities," says Joachim Herzig, Northwest Europe Regional Finance Director at O-I. "It is therefore important to us that we redevelop the area as quickly as possible in coordination with the city environment agency."
The city of Düsseldorf also welcomes the sale: "There will be a new urban quarter with a variety of living and work opportunities, whose identity will remain characterized by the Gerresheim glassworks of the past," says mayor Dirk Elbers in assessing the future of the site. Dr. Gregor Bonin, the deputy and head of the Planning Department, is similarly positive in his assessment of the now introduced development: "My primary goal is to create high quality options for all kinds of living desires in all districts. Together with the neighboring and already well advanced "Am Quellenbusch" plan, the area offers the former glassworks the chance to create another distinctive part of Gerresheim."
