Hamburg, December 11 – The long-stalled Elbtower project in Hamburg is finally seeing some movement. A new hotel operator has been secured for the unfinished skyscraper at the Elbbrücken, and there are also indications of progress in its financing, as reported by NDR 90,3 from official circles.
New Hotel Operator Steps In After Nobu Withdrawal
A hotel was always planned for the upper third of the Elbtower. Previously, the ‘Nobu’ hotel chain, co-owned by actor Robert De Niro, had intended to offer 200 rooms and suites but withdrew following the insolvency of the Signa Group. Now, a new hotel operator has been found, though their name has not yet been disclosed, according to information obtained by NDR 90,3 from authorities.
City’s Controversial Involvement and Reduced Height
This development means more square meters of the multi-billion euro project are being commercialized, especially if the city proceeds with its intention to purchase 46,000 square meters of the Elbtower to house the Natural History Museum. This plan remains controversial, partly due to the proposed cost of 595 million euros for Hamburg.
Investor Dieter Becken requires additional funds to complete the partially built skyscraper, albeit at a reduced height of 200 meters instead of the originally planned 245 meters.
Four Investors Emerge for Elbtower Financing
According to the “Hamburger Abendblatt,” the holding company of Klaus-Michael Kühne is participating in the equity of a new Elbtower project company. The Kühne Holding confirmed that this involves a significant sum. Additionally, three other capital providers have reportedly joined the financing efforts.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Museum Location Alternatives
Research by NDR suggests that more affordable alternatives for the planned Hamburg Natural History Museum might have been available. Further NDR investigations indicate that suitable and significantly cheaper options in Hamburg may have been suppressed. The Senate’s decision to pay nearly 600 million euros to house the museum in the Elbtower is seen as a prerequisite for continuing construction, albeit with the tower now reaching only 199 meters instead of 245.
Impact on the City and Future Outlook
The Elbtower project has been a subject of intense public debate, with its financing challenges and the city’s significant investment in the Natural History Museum generating considerable discussion. The recent advancements in securing a new hotel operator and additional investors signal a potential turning point for the project, which aims to become a landmark in Hamburg’s skyline.
The reduced height of the tower and the city’s financial commitment continue to be points of contention. However, the involvement of prominent investors like the Kühne Holding suggests renewed confidence in the project’s viability. The next steps will likely involve formal announcements regarding the new hotel operator and the finalized financing agreements.
The Elbtower, once completed, is expected to contribute to Hamburg’s urban development and economic landscape, despite the controversies surrounding its construction and funding. The focus now shifts to how these new developments will impact the overall timeline and public perception of this ambitious undertaking.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/fortschritte-bei-elbtower-finanzierung-hotelbetreiber-gefunden,elbtower-134.html
