Major Housing Development Planned in Pankow, Berlin

The Berlin Senate is set to advance an ambitious urban development project in the Pankow district, aiming to create a new neighborhood between Blankenburg and Heinersdorf. This initiative plans to construct a total of 8,600 new residential units, addressing the ongoing housing shortage in the city.

During the next Senate meeting, scheduled for Tuesday at 10 AM, members will discuss the proposed usage plan for this new area, known as Blankenburger Süden. The development will include essential infrastructure such as childcare facilities, schools, roads, cycling paths, and public transportation connections.

The planned residential zone will span approximately four kilometers in length and 2.5 kilometers in width, located east of Französisch Buchholz and west of Malchow. Given its scale, the project has sparked a range of reactions among local residents and stakeholders, highlighting the challenges associated with large-scale urban development.

In recent months, the Berlin Senate has taken steps to tackle the city's housing crisis. Earlier in March, Bausenator Christian Gaebler presented a framework plan for a new residential area at the former Köpenick freight station, which is slated to provide around 1,500 apartments. Additionally, plans for the Neue Mitte Tempelhof neighborhood, which will feature 500 new units, were also approved by the Senate.

Despite these initiatives, Berlin continues to face a significant shortage of housing. The Senate has set an ambitious target of constructing an average of 20,000 new homes annually, a goal that has yet to be realized fully. As the city grapples with increasing demand for housing, the successful implementation of projects like Blankenburger Süden will be pivotal in addressing the needs of its growing population.