District Office Halts Demolition of SEZ Due to Species Protection - Berlin's SEZ redevelopment halted over species protection and heritage concerns
A major redevelopment project in Berlin-Friedrichshain has been put on hold after the local authority intervened. The planned demolition of the former Sport and Recreation Center (SEZ) was stopped due to concerns over species protection and environmental conservation laws. The site, once a bustling hub in East Germany, now faces an uncertain future as environmental groups and scientists push for its preservation.
The SEZ first opened its doors in 1981, offering a wave pool, ice rink, bowling alley, and sports halls that drew millions of visitors during the GDR era. After the city sold the property to a private investor in 2003, the site remained in use until a court order cleared it in early 2024. Plans for the area included 600 new apartments and a school, with construction expected to start by the end of the year.
Excavation work began in late November, but the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district authority ordered a halt after environmental groups NaturFreunde Berlin and Gemeingut in BürgerInnenhand raised concerns. Uwe Hiksch of NaturFreunde Berlin insisted that the project must comply with species protection regulations before proceeding.
In December 2023, over 150 scientists signed an open letter urging the preservation of the SEZ. They argued that the building held significant architectural and historical value as DDR-era heritage. The letter also highlighted the ecological benefits of renovating the existing structure rather than demolishing and rebuilding, while stressing the district's pressing need for sports and swimming facilities.
Berlin's Senator for Construction, Christian Gaebler (SPD), criticised the pause in work. He emphasised the city's urgent demand for affordable housing, warning that delays could worsen the housing crisis.
The temporary stoppage means the future of the SEZ remains unresolved. Developers must now address environmental conservation issues before any further work can take place. The decision reflects growing tensions between urban development needs and the push to protect historical and ecological assets in Berlin.
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