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Berlin’s SEZ demolition begins amid fierce preservation battles

A symbol of East Berlin’s past is crumbling—literally. As wrecking balls swing, a last-ditch fight to redefine the SEZ’s role in the city’s future intensifies.

This is a picture of a city, where there are buildings, trees, poles, roads, vehicles , sky.
This is a picture of a city, where there are buildings, trees, poles, roads, vehicles , sky.

More than 150 Scientists Demand Preservation of SEZ - Berlin’s SEZ demolition begins amid fierce preservation battles

Demolition work has begun at Berlin’s iconic Sport and Recreation Center (SEZ), a landmark that once drew millions of visitors. The site, opened in 1981, now faces redevelopment despite growing calls for its preservation. Over 150 academics have urged the city to halt plans and reconsider the complex’s future.

The SEZ was a flagship leisure destination in East Berlin, offering swimming pools, sports halls, and entertainment spaces. After German reunification, its facilities became financially unviable, leading to gradual closures.

The future of the SEZ remains uncertain as demolition moves forward. The city must now weigh redevelopment plans against preservation efforts. Any decision will shape both the area’s skyline and its historical legacy.

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