Investors wanted for the ICC Berlin
Berlin, 26 November 2024: Makeover needed for an architectural Berlin icon! The international concept process for the refurbishment and reopening of the historic International Congress Centre (ICC) Berlin was officially opened at a press conference organised by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises on Monday, 25 November 2024. Interested investors now have until March 2025 to submit their applications to participate. The final contract is expected to be awarded in the second quarter of 2026. The aim of the State of Berlin is to make the future ICC a lively place for art, culture, creative industries, innovation and technology.
The world meets in Berlin – and in the future, ideally again in the ICC. The “spaceship”, as it is affectionately known, was opened in 1979 and gained worldwide renown as an icon of “high-tech architecture” and a milestone in European congress history. With a total capacity of 14,500 seats in 80 halls and rooms, an impressive spatial concept and state-of-the-art lighting, projection, sound and stage technology, the ICC, which has been a listed building since 2019, offers ideal conditions for congresses, entertainment and cultural events. After many years of being used as a prestigious event venue and being repeatedly awarded as the best congress centre in the world and Europe, it was most recently used as refugee accommodation and a Corona vaccination centre. However, with the concept competition that has now been opened, the State of Berlin would like to help the ICC regain its former freshness and new splendour.
We are therefore looking for innovative investors who would like to take the opportunity to redesign Berlin’s world-famous landmark. However, this is not just about redesigning a historic building, but also about revitalising and further developing a location that has a firm place in both the city’s history and its image. Specifically, the project includes the comprehensive renovation and modernisation of the ICC main building as well as the creation and implementation of a sustainable concept to make the ICC accessible as a point of contact for the general public in the areas of art, culture and creative industries as well as innovation and technology. At the same time, flexible spaces are to be created that are suitable for organising congresses and conferences. In addition, there is the construction of a high-rise building on the car park of the site (Messedamm 9) as well as the renovation / extension / conversion or demolition / new construction of the ICC parking garage. The basis for the project is the conclusion of a leasehold agreement between the respective investor and the State of Berlin, which, however, awards the contract without any financial involvement of its own. Another requirement is that the renovation and construction work must be carried out taking sustainable practices into account. For this purpose, environmentally friendly measures should be used and energy efficiency measures should be implemented.
Berlin is therefore looking to the future with great anticipation – because the revitalisation of the ICC offers not only Berliners themselves, but also an international audience, the opportunity to experience and shape the fusion of tradition and innovation. Above all, the ICC is to become one thing again: a lively meeting place that inspires and enriches Berlin as a business location, symbolising innovation and creativity.
Further information on the ICC Berlin and the concept process can be found directly on the project website.
© Berlin Partner / eventfotografen.berlin
