Berlin, 24.03.2025. Becken, specialist for project development, revitalization, asset and investment management of commercial and residential properties, presented the first letting successes for the Ring-Center III in Berlin-Lichtenberg at a press conference together with Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs. Since the departure of Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof following the group's insolvency, Becken has been working on revitalizing the former department store location on Frankfurter Allee. The real estate company is pursuing a multi-tenant approach in which the floors, each with 2,500 square meters of rental space, are to be let individually. With REWE on the first floor and the fitness provider aGym for the basement, two tenants have been acquired for a total of 5,000 square meters of rental space. At the same time, the development of a high-rise building to strengthen the location in the long term is being driven forward.

The necessary conversions and conversions of the former single-tenant use into usable space for several tenants, including adjustments to fire protection, ventilation and electrical installations, began in January 2025. The handover of the space to the new tenants is planned for September 2025.

"With the realignment of Ring-Center III, we are sending a clear signal for the sustainable development of this highly frequented inner-city retail space. Our multi-tenant approach allows us to activate the site quickly, while at the same time driving forward the long-term development of a high-rise project at this location," says Dieter Becken, Managing Partner of Becken Holding GmbH.

REWE will open a modern supermarket on the first floor on around 2,500 square meters. Dirk Heimann, Head of Construction at REWE Ost, explains: "We were impressed by the long-term plans for Ring Center III and convinced by the location. Urban development only works through bold investments, and REWE is ready to be a partner in this. In the first step, we are moving our urban supermarket concept to the existing space in the shopping center.

In the basement, the fitness concept aGym will also open a studio on 2,500 square meters. Jacob Fatih, founder of aGym, says: "Ring-Center III is the perfect place to create a completely new kind of fitness experience. We combine state-of-the-art training methods with a holistic approach to health and lifestyle - in a location that reflects the pulse of the city and offers space for new ideas. Our goal is to inspire everyone to stay healthy and fit and become part of an active community."

"At the same time, negotiations are underway to let the other areas on the upper floors, each with 2,500 square meters of rental space. We are in advanced talks here," continued Becken.

Revitalization of the vacant department store as an important signal for Berlin and Lichtenberg

With the closure of the Galeria Karstadt Kaufhof department store in Ring-Center III, a highly frequented inner-city area with excellent transport links via the underground and suburban railroad remained unused. The revitalization of the vacant space is an important urban development signal. Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, says: "It is important that Ring-Center III is coming back to life, because the vacancy had visible consequences for the entire location. We can clearly see here that where department stores can no longer remain, alternatives are needed quickly. The current solution is a joint success. We will continue to work together with all stakeholders to ensure that our city centers with brick-and-mortar retail, department stores and shopping streets remain vibrant and attractive in the future. We are also pursuing this goal very specifically with our center summit in all twelve districts."

The project also represents an important boost for the district of Lichtenberg. Martin Schaefer, district mayor of Lichtenberg, emphasizes: "With the revitalization of the vacant space and the establishment of REWE and aGym, the vibrant location in Lichtenberg will not only be strengthened economically, but will also remain a lively place for shopping, sports and meetings. The Lichtenberg district office has been in close contact with Becken Holding GmbH at the Frankfurter Allee site since the start of the initial planning activities and is actively supporting the project in terms of sustainable development up to the construction of the new high-rise building. This development step clearly shows that Lichtenberg is an attractive district for investment."

High-rise project as long-term site development

In addition to the short-term reactivation of the existing property, Becken is pushing ahead with the long-term project development of a high-rise building on the site. The company is currently in the process of drawing up a development plan to secure the future of the site in the long term.

"With the planned high-rise development, we want to enhance the district in the long term and establish a modern, urban use. Our aim is to develop this location sustainably," explains Roland Köppe, authorized signatory and Berlin branch manager of Becken Development GmbH. He adds: "The plans were first presented to the Berlin Senate's building committee at the end of September 2024 and met with great approval from the district and the Senate."

Through the combination of short-term activation and long-term prospects, Becken is making a decisive contribution to strengthening Frankfurter Allee as a business and retail location.