Instone secures Ginkgo as partner for Düsseldorf development

Instone Real Estate has entered into a strategic partnership with Ginkgo Fund for the development of “Benrather Gärten”, one of Düsseldorf’s largest urban regeneration projects. 

Benrather. Copyright Ralf Ralf Baumgarten

Instone will retain full responsibility for the project and remain the primary point of contact, while Ginkgo’s investment and expertise will support the transformation of the 15‑hectare former industrial site into a sustainable mixed‑use neighbourhood.

Located in Düsseldorf‑Benrath on the former Outokumpu and Thyssen‑Krupp Nirosta site, the project will deliver between 800 and 1,000 homes alongside social infrastructure, commercial and office space, and extensive public and private green areas. Demolition works are scheduled to begin in autumn, paving the way for soil remediation and decontamination ahead of phased development.

Founded in partnership with Edmond de Rothschild, Ginkgo is one of Europe’s leading platforms specialising in the regeneration of former industrial, logistics and commercial sites. The collaboration brings together Instone’s long‑standing expertise in sustainable residential neighbourhoods with Ginkgo’s track record in brownfield redevelopment. The partnership has been formed at an early stage of the process, enabling both companies to shape the future neighbourhood’s design, sustainability strategy and long‑term vision.

Kruno Crepulja, CEO of Instone Real Estate Group SE, said the project reflects Instone’s established focus on converting former industrial sites into sustainable, liveable urban districts. He added that Ginkgo’s early involvement underscores the project’s quality and supports Instone’s strategy of delivering selected large‑scale developments with long‑term partners to unlock additional capacity and continue its growth trajectory.

Instone has expanded its development pipeline through targeted land acquisitions in recent quarters, with Benrather Gärten ranking among Düsseldorf’s most significant regeneration schemes and set to make a major contribution to housing supply and sustainable urban development.

Ginkgo founding partners Guillaume Ribet and Bruno Farber said their commitment reflects strong conviction in the long‑term potential of brownfield projects in major metropolitan areas. They highlighted the shared vision for sustainable neighbourhood development and the opportunity to create lasting value for Benrath and Düsseldorf.

The project is based on the winning design of the 2017 urban planning competition and will be further refined through the zoning plan process over the coming years.