Berlin's RAW site faces cultural wipeout as clubs fight redevelopment plans
Berlin's iconic RAW site in Friedrichshain faces an uncertain future as owner Kurth-Gruppe pushes for redevelopment. The company has revoked permits for several clubs, leaving their operations in legal limbo. With tensions rising, a protest rave is planned for this weekend to defend the cultural hub. The Kurth family company acquired the RAW-Gelände in 2015, originally proposing a commercial block and a 100-metre office tower. But plans stalled after the district approved a Bebauungsplan in 2019, sparking years of disputes. By late January 2026, Kurth withdrew permits for venues like Cassiopeia, Weißer Hase, Crack Bellmer, and Lokschuppen, citing fire safety concerns and escalating costs.
Now, the company wants to include residential units on the site—despite a ban by Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg's district assembly. A draft resolution exists, prioritising sociocultural spaces, but disagreements persist over how quickly it should become binding. Kurth has also refused to extend short-term leases, forcing clubs into a corner.
In response, club operators are resisting pressure and demanding a clear resolution. A demonstration rave, backed by SPD, Greens, and the Left Party, will take place this Saturday to protest the closures. Kurth has set an informal deadline of the end of this month for answers on fire safety, noise protection, and authority roles. The standoff leaves clubs like Bar zum Schmutzigen Hobby and Cassiopeia at risk of permanent closure. Without renewed permits or a finalised development plan, their future depends on negotiations between Kurth, the district, and tenants. The outcome will determine whether the RAW site remains a cultural landmark or transforms into a mixed-use quarter.
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