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Berlin's Gehrenseehöfe to rise from ruins with 1,000 new homes and schools

From GDR-era ghost town to vibrant neighborhood: How Berlin is rewriting its urban legacy. The first phase of demolition has already begun.

, and Administrator

2026 March 6 . 3:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows an old map of the city of Berlin, Germany, with a white background. The map is... — The image shows an old map of the city of Berlin, Germany, with a white background. The map is detailed and shows the streets, buildings, and other landmarks of the area. The text on the paper provides additional information about the map, such as the names of the streets and the locations of the buildings.

Berlin's Gehrenseehöfe to rise from ruins with 1,000 new homes and schools

A long-abandoned housing complex in Lichtenberg is set for a major transformation. The Gehrenseehöfe project will replace the derelict site with over 1,000 new homes, schools, and community spaces. Once a symbol of failed urban planning, the area now marks one of Berlin's largest redevelopment news efforts in years.

The Gehrenseestraße site has stood empty since the early 2000s. Originally built as accommodation for contract workers—mostly from Vietnam—during the GDR era, the complex fell into disuse after reunification. Now, state-owned housing company HOWOGE and BE Development GmbH are leading its revival.

Demolition has already begun, starting with the eastern section of the old buildings. This first phase will clear space for a new '2-in-1 school', combining a primary school with a rooftop sports hall. The facility is expected to open by 2029.

Beyond housing, the plans include two kindergartens, retail units, and mixed-use spaces for services, students, and seniors. Social and medical facilities will also form part of the neighbourhood. The legal groundwork is being laid through zoning plan procedure 11-165, with the planning stage alone estimated to take at least a year.

The redevelopment will turn a neglected area into a modern, mixed-use district. With homes, schools, and amenities, the project aims to address housing news while revitalising Lichtenberg. Construction timelines and further details will depend on the completion of the zoning process.