The city of Ulm is the venue for one of the largest real estate conversion projects in Germany: Over the next ten years, the shopping mall “Blautal-Center” on Blaubeurer Straße will be transformed into the new mixed-use “Blau.Quartier.” In addition to commercial and office units, gastronomy and leisure facilities, as well as practices and social institutions, over 1,000 apartments are to be built here. The Ulm / Neu-Ulm City Development Association took another decisive step in its meeting on June 14 by deciding to prepare a development plan for the second construction phase, which includes the western part of the Blautal-Center. The plans underlying this decision will be made available to the citizens of Ulm for one month starting next Monday, July 15, 2024. During this so-called early public participation, Ulm residents will have the opportunity to share their views. The resolution to lay out a project-related development plan and public participation for the eastern part of the complex already took place in the spring of 2023.

Christian Diesen, Managing Director of the project developer HLG Real Estate (HLG), which is primarily responsible for the project, says: “With the decision to prepare the development plan for the second construction phase and the upcoming display of the planning documents for the western part, we have reached another milestone in one of the largest real estate projects in Germany. And the next stage is already in sight. The resolution and thus the creation of building rights for the eastern construction phase is planned for November this year. Then we have laid the foundation for the start of the work. This makes us somewhat proud.”

Dr. Simon Kempf, Managing Director of DLE, adds: “With the transformation from a shopping center to a vibrant district, the city of Ulm is consistently taking a forward-looking path in urban development that can be exemplary for other municipalities. Standards are being set both in the pressing issue of housing demand and in the future-critical requirements for sustainability. We will transform an outdated, no longer future-proof object into an integrated, environmentally and climate-sensitive holistic solution for living, working, and leisure. Overall, the Blau-Quartier represents a project that is absolutely worthy of a scientifically and technologically oriented university city.”

HLG, specializing in the development and transformation of large-scale retail properties, took over the Blautal-Center together with DLE Land Development GmbH (DLE), one of the leading European investment and asset managers in the field of land and project development. On an area of approximately 6.6 hectares, the shopping center, which opened in 1998, will be gradually transformed in various construction phases from a one-dimensional commercial complex into a diverse, small-scale, mixed-use district. Different forms and concepts of use, from commercial, office, and retail to residential, social, and cultural institutions, as well as practices and leisure and fitness facilities, are to create a new, lively, and urban living space. The planned integrated mobility concept, which will focus on pedestrians, bicycles, public transport, and e-mobility, particularly contributes to the sustainability aspect. Construction activities and later operations will also be carried out with sustainability in mind. The aim is to reuse as much of the existing structure as possible during the redevelopment. This includes not only the basement and ground floor but also the use of existing materials to create new buildings. Up to 20 percent of the building mass is to be reused during the conversion, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The design of the open spaces also aims at environmental compatibility and climate protection. Sealed surfaces will be unsealed, and rainwater storage and use measures will be implemented. The goal is to ensure the irrigation of the district without drawing groundwater. Additionally, the use of photovoltaics and green roofs will be promoted.

About HLG Real Estate:
HLG Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG specializes in the development of commercial and mixed-use properties and districts. Taking possible synergies in the environment into account and in close coordination with all local stakeholders, we develop customized concepts. Our particular focus is on the local conditions and the needs of users, municipalities, and citizens. In light of land scarcity, we are intensively involved in mixed-use development and examine the combination of retail with other uses such as residential, office, commercial, and leisure. Transparent, trustworthy communication with property owners, existing tenants, municipalities, authorities, and residents is a given for us in every project, as is the effective and efficient coordination of all project partners such as architects, engineers, or construction companies.

About DLE Land Development GmbH:
DLE Land Development GmbH is part of DLE Group AG. The company is an internationally operating investment manager based in Berlin and has expertise across the entire real estate value chain. As a manager, DLE develops individual solutions and concepts for projects and fund shareholders, typically institutional investors, including many pension funds and retirement funds from Germany, while simultaneously considering the respective urban and landscape planning concerns. DLE combines its long-standing real estate expertise with extensive market knowledge, with a particular focus on sustainability, social impact, and an ESG-based corporate culture, thereby also promoting the individual needs of the respective city.

Press Contact:
Jürgen Herres
M: +49 176 607 38682
E: jh@feldhoff-cie.de