Foundation stone laid for new build in Eschborn

Flexible, communicative and sustainable: GIZ’s new office complex creates space for around 920 workstations.

Eschborn, 12 September 2022. Today, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH laid the foundation stone for its new state-of-the-art building in Eschborn. Spanning some 33,300 gross square metres, the new building offers space for up to 920 modern workplaces. The build is scheduled for completion in 2025.

Tanja Gönner, Chair of the GIZ Management Board, said, ‘Our new build at our site in Eschborn combines and embodies sustainability and innovation by harnessing regenerative and recyclable raw materials. The building’s exterior will mostly be wood and we will use recycled concrete for the shell, creating a cutting-edge working environment that marries social and environmental aspects.’ The new building is set to replace a number of older office buildings and will merge with GIZ’s other properties in Eschborn. This means that to the west of the local railway line, a compact and contemporary campus is now in the process of being built. GIZ is investing some EUR 220 million in this construction project.

The construction company is the Frankfurt-based project developer PHOENIX. Besides flexible office space, the six-storey building will also house a conference area with an auditorium and meeting rooms. Furthermore, communal areas have been designed to foster cross-sectoral exchanges and creative teamwork.

Dr Frank Lebsanft, Managing Director of PHOENIX Real Estate Development GmbH, said, ‘In Eschborn all the ingredients are in place to create the most sustainable office complex in the Frankfurt area. Our intention is to craft a forward-looking environment, from the road and transport concept through to the outdoor areas. We can only fulfil our aspirations in alliance with GIZ, the various neighbours and the city. In this connection, we would also like to thank all project stakeholders in the city of Eschborn and, here in particular, Mayor Shaikh for his support.’

Jochen Flasbarth, Chair of the GIZ Supervisory Board and State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) said, ‘The new building on the GIZ Campus will be a prime example of a contemporary working environment and sustainable construction: flexible, communicative and sustainable. With this new build, GIZ is creating an excellent basis for digital, hybrid and on-site interaction in an increasingly networked world.’

Hesse’s Minister for Federal and European Affairs Lucia Puttrich stressed that, ‘We are proud that the world-renowned GIZ is at home here in the federal state of Hesse. The new build in Eschborn is an important commitment to this business location. With its concept for this new building, GIZ is championing sustainability and innovation – which is precisely what GIZ stands for worldwide and what it leverages to assure Germany’s good reputation around the globe.’

The new build meets the most stringent criteria of the German Sustainable Building Council and has its sights set on platinum certification. This involves using sustainable building materials and a sustainable energy concept, together with photovoltaic and geothermal systems for sustainable management. Furthermore, access to the building will be completely barrier-free.

The project planners at the Vienna-based architect’s office Caramel, winner of the architect’s competition that took place beforehand, have also taken into account the experiences gained during the coronavirus pandemic. If the usage requirements change, the various areas can be adapted without any trouble thanks to flexible partition walls, say, when social distancing rules have to be complied with.

‘I am pleased that GIZ has consolidated its business location in Eschborn with this new build,’ said Eschborn’s Mayor Adnan Shaikh. ‘The new building sends out a clear signal regarding green development in this part of the city and its future viability.’

About GIZ

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations. It supports the German Government in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and is also engaged in international education activities around the globe. Through its work, it assists people and societies in shaping their own future and improving their living conditions. The registered offices of GIZ are in Bonn and Eschborn.

About PHOENIX Real Estate Development GmbH

Future-oriented project developments call for outstanding real estate in attractive locations. And it is precisely this principle that runs through the core of PHOENIX’s work, from planning and construction through to leasing. By prioritising development in Frankfurt am Main, Munich and Stuttgart, PHOENIX has forged a base in three of Germany’s most stable property markets, which it leverages to create sustainable investment products for quality-minded real estate investors.

You will find further information and photos of the event here.