Some 20 years after the opening of the Sony Center in Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz, owner Oxford Properties Group (Oxford) has announced plans to invest over €200 mln to update and transform the 1.22 million sq ft mixed-use complex.
Oxford is working together with the original design team from JAHN Architecture and PWP Landscape Architecture on the new masterplan which respects the Sony Center’s architectural importance for locals and visitors.
The €200 mln redevelopment plans aim to place a greater focus on human-centric aspects of the Sony Center campus including optimising workplaces for health and wellbeing, world-class retail and future-focused amenity. This will be complemented by an annual programme of events in sport, culture and entertainment that will be accessible not only for the Sony Center office community, but also for Berliners and visitors.
In total, around 50,000 m2 of office space will be upgraded to meet the highest demands of modern workplaces. One of the largest tenants, Deutsche Bahn, is also overhauling its space and lobby. DB will open an employee restaurant in the forum, further reinforcing the Sony Center’s position as an office campus.
Initial work began earlier this year, while major construction activity is due to start in January, with the majority of the development expected to complete by the end of 2023.
‘We recognise the important role the Sony Center plays both as a landmark in Berlin and as a destination for those that work or visit it on a daily basis. At the same time we continue to listen to our customers’ changing needs and in respose to that are planning this significant investment over the coming years to strengthen the campus character and ensure that people have the very best Sony Center experience, whether at work or play. We are convinced of the central role the office will continue to play for all businesses but that it needs to offer more than ever before. We are responding with the introduction of better quality, more sustainable and flexible workspaces, coupled with new amenities including safe and secure bike parking to promote a healthy commute, fitness facilities and services dedicated to well-being. We will also continue to strengthen the cultural and culinary offering through public art activations, community partnerships and a wide-spectrum of food and beverage concepts at a variety of pricepoints to ensure that everyone can share in the experince,’ said Jay Drexler, vice president Office, Retail & Life Science Europe, of Oxford Properties.
