Laborgh acquires Berlin site for affordable housing development

Laborgh Investment has purchased a 31,100 m2 plot of land in Berlin-Lichtenberg from a company advised by Periskop Development.

Konrad-Wolf-Straße © Periskop Development

This acquisition, for an undisclosed price, continues the collaboration between Laborgh and Periskop to create affordable housing in Berlin.

The site at Weißenseer Weg 51 / corner of Konrad-Wolf-Straße, located next to the Sportforum Berlin, is considered a key development opportunity in the Lichtenberg district. Periskop Development has been instrumental in the planning and zoning process, and will continue to be involved in a joint development partnership. Laborgh plans to transform the site into a mixed-use urban area.

The development will include approximately 700 affordable residential units, which will be transferred to a state-owned housing company upon completion. Additionally, about 15,000 m2 will be dedicated to commercial use, such as retail, shops, daycare, medical services, and other community-focused facilities. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, pending the planning process.

This project aims to revitalise a historically significant site, formerly the Sporthotel and Congress Centre Hohenschönhausen, which has been vacant since German reunification. This transformation will address Berlin's urgent need for meaningful and socially effective urban development. Laborgh is actively seeking further development opportunities.

Florian Lanz, managing director, Laborgh Investment, said: “This property is unique in many ways – due to its size, location, and history. Above all, it has stood unused for decades, shaping the urban landscape as a ruin. We are pleased that we can now turn this location into a sustainable and tangible development. Our focus is to responsibly transform complex Berlin sites into projects that serve the city in the long term.”

Simon Kempf, managing director, Periskop Development, added: “We are delighted to further develop this prominent site together with Laborgh and make a tangible contribution to Berlin’s urgently needed housing supply. A location that lay idle for decades will once again become an active part of the city: at least 70,000 m2 of gross floor area will be created – 80% of which will be residential and transferred to a state-owned housing company. This is urban responsibility in practice.”