In May 2016, the Berlin Senate approved amendments to the land use plan (FNP) for four boroughs. The goal: create the planning basis for over 1,000 new apartments in Berlin.
Two sites, four boroughs
The changes covered two areas: at Barfusstrasse/Hollaenderstrasse/Gotthardstrasse on the border between Mitte and Reinickendorf, parts of older cemetery land were to be rezoned for housing. At Britzer Strasse/Mohriner Allee between Tempelhof-Schoeneberg and Neukoelln, apartments could be built on former nursery land.
Both sites were well connected to public transport. And both had largely lost their original use.
Public consultation process
The Senate decision followed a consultation process that involved borough offices and planning authorities as well as local residents. Neighbours could submit their input before the amendments were approved.
Putting it in context
Over 1,000 apartments represented a limited contribution given overall demand. Still, the decision showed the Senate's willingness to activate even smaller sites for housing construction. Market data from the following years confirmed that such densification measures alone were not enough to noticeably ease Berlin's housing shortage.
