Berlin, a city often criticized but constantly evolving, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation in the upcoming year. Despite the ongoing construction and public discourse, a dynamic city is emerging, driven by a commitment to reinvention. Not every idea is an instant success, but without continuous development, stagnation would prevail.
24 Projects Shaping Berlin’s Future
The ENTWICKLUNGSSTADT editorial team has compiled a list of 24 key projects that will significantly impact Berlin in the coming year. These initiatives cover a wide range of areas, including mobility, housing, social infrastructure, and cultural projects within Berlin and its surrounding region. Some are large-scale, while others are more subtle, but collectively they highlight the vibrant energy within this diverse metropolis.
Key Developments Across the City:
- Dresdner Bahn Launches: After over two decades of planning, the Dresdner Bahn is set to begin operations on December 14, 2025, drastically improving connections between Berlin and BER Airport with shorter travel times and new routes.
- BHT Opens ‘WAL’ Laboratory: On December 19, 2025, the Berlin University of Applied Sciences (BHT) inaugurated its new ‘Wedding Advanced Laboratories’ (WAL) building in Wedding, a significant step for research, teaching, and campus development.
- Olympiastadion South Gate Redesign: The South Gate of the Berlin Olympic Stadium is being expanded to manage large crowds more effectively, enhancing safety and entry efficiency following chaotic scenes at last summer’s DFB Cup final.
- BVG ‘Urbanliner’ Tram Debuts: After delays, the new ‘Urbanliner’ tram is scheduled to begin service on the M4 line in February 2026, addressing increasing passenger numbers and overcrowded routes.
- ‘Thule48’ Residential Project: The final phase of the ‘Immergrün’ district, ‘Thule48,’ will commence construction in 2026, adding 78 condominiums to the Thulestraße area.
- Haus der Statistik’s Decade of Development: The Haus der Statistik celebrates ten years as a model of cooperative urban development, with its initial phases nearing completion and core components of the district taking shape.
- Oberlinhaus Opens Crisis Shelter in Potsdam: The Oberlinhaus in Potsdam has opened a new, accessible crisis shelter for children and young people, addressing a critical need for social infrastructure.
- ’52° Nord’ Quarter Nears Completion: The ’52° Nord’ residential and commercial district in Grünau, featuring 1,000 apartments and sustainable design, is expected to be fully completed by 2026/2027.
- Hohenschönhausen Manor House Restoration: Restoration of the historic manor house on Hauptstraße 44 in Alt-Hohenschönhausen is progressing, with facade work due to finish in December 2025 and a reopening planned for autumn 2026.
- ‘Kino International’ Revival: Visible progress is being made on the renovation of ‘Kino International’ in Berlin-Mitte, with scaffolding removed and the facade largely renewed, making a reopening for the Berlinale 2026 realistic.
- Tierpark Berlin’s New Elephant House: The Tierpark Berlin is modernizing its elephant house, set to open in 2026 as a central part of its future geo-zoo concept.
- Platz des 4. Juli Green Transformation: The conversion of Platz des 4. Juli in Lichterfelde into a public green space is underway, with completion expected in 2026 as part of an ecological compensation for the Dresdner Bahn expansion.
- Three Renaturation Projects: Berlin is implementing three renaturation projects to improve the urban climate and biodiversity, reflecting a strong public desire for more nature conservation.
- HAINWERK Defines Modern Urban Living: The HAINWERK project on Revaler Straße in Friedrichshain is creating a sustainable mixed-use complex that blends living, working, and shopping.
- ‘Butze’ Home for Street Children: The ‘Butze’ street children’s home in Lichtenberg will provide a safe haven and comprehensive support for homeless youth, serving as a model for reintegration.
- ‘Greenpark’ Neukölln Nears Completion: One of Neukölln’s largest residential quarters, ‘Greenpark,’ with 860 apartments, is on track for completion by 2026.
- ‘Kalle Neukölln’ Expansion: ‘Kalle Neukölln’ continues to grow as a hub for work, culture, and leisure, adding amenities like a sauna, pool, rooftop restaurant, and music hall.
- Vertical Parking at Hackescher Markt: An innovative vertical parking tower is planned for Hackescher Markt in Berlin-Mitte by early 2026, offering a compact and efficient solution for urban parking.
- Affordable Housing Near Tempelhofer Feld: A new residential project near Tempelhofer Feld in Neukölln will deliver 142 affordable apartments, adhering to high ecological standards.
- ‘CÖ’ Quarter in Köpenick Completed Early: The ‘CÖ’ residential complex in Hämmerlingstraße, Köpenick, featuring 120 units, has been completed ahead of schedule.
- Vollgut Cooperative Transforms Brewery Site: The Vollgut Cooperative in Neukölln’s Rollbergkiez is transforming a former brewery warehouse into an innovative cultural center based on circular economy principles.
- Victoriahöfe Renovation in Kreuzberg: The historic Victoriahöfe in Berlin-Kreuzberg have been largely renovated, with the first tenants moving into the revitalized building on Lindenstraße.
- BVG Autonomous Vehicle Trials: Berlin is launching a pilot project for autonomous vehicles in its urban transport system, aiming for more flexible and demand-oriented mobility solutions.
- ‘Tiny Forests’ Emerge in Berlin: Several Berlin districts are developing ‘Tiny Forests’-dense, small woodlands based on a Japanese model-to improve the urban climate and create habitats.
These projects, ranging from large-scale infrastructure improvements to community-focused initiatives, underscore Berlin’s commitment to creating a more livable, sustainable, and inclusive city for its residents and visitors alike.
Source: https://www.entwicklungsstadt.de/24-projekte-die-berlin-im-kommenden-jahr-besser-machen-werden/
