Parking in Berlin: Contipark takes over operation and modernisation of underground car park at Potsdamer Platz centre

Since 2021, the owners, Oxford Properties Group and Norges Bank Investment Management, have been redeveloping the building complex formerly known as the Sony Centre on Potsdamer Platz. The aim is to create an attractive office campus in the centre of the capital. As part of this realignment, Contipark takes over the operation of the underground car park with 788 parking spaces on three levels in Bellevuestraße in Tiergarten on 1 July 2024. The contract was concluded for 10 years.

As part of the takeover, Contipark will be investing a mid-six-figure sum in the coming months to modernise the parking systems and thus create an attractive parking experience for customers. “Our aim is to offer our contract partners a modern, secure and affordable parking service in a prominent location,” explains Michael Kesseler, Managing Director of Contipark, adding: “We rely on long-term and reliable partnerships to operate our parking facilities. This also means continuity in service and a stable pricing policy for our end customers.”

Deliberate decision in favour of Contipark as operator of the underground car park

Contipark’s concept came out on top in a bidding process. “Contipark and its plans for the operation and modernisation of the facility fit in perfectly with our ideas and result in a coherent overall concept of sustainable operation and future-oriented modernisation,” says Guillaume van Appelghem, Director Asset Management at Oxford Properties Group, adding: “In Contipark, we have found a partner that fits perfectly into the overall concept and creates an attractive parking offer for tenants, guests and visitors.”

New work culture, gastronomy and community: revitalisation of the centre at Potsdamer Platz

Oxford Properties Group and Norges Bank Investment Management are investing over 200 million euros in the modernisation of the world-famous site. The concept envisages the creation of an inner-city office campus where new-work culture meets attractive catering and retail facilities. Sports, cultural and entertainment events create an attractive leisure environment with a high quality of stay. The campus’s diverse offerings are aimed at both tenants and local residents as well as all Berliners. The masterplan also provides for a comprehensive mobility concept, including a bicycle garage, in order to meet new urban mobility trends. The office space will be designed in flexible layouts in line with New Work principles. The entire redevelopment of the site takes into account today’s standards for sustainable construction.

Innovative parking solutions for a sustainable parking experience

Contipark’s innovative parking solutions include facilities that are operated ticketless and cashless. This means a convenient and modern 360° parking experience for customers. Contipark is also planning to install new charging stations for electric vehicles at the centre on Potsdamer Platz. “This initiative is part of our commitment to offering innovative and environmentally friendly parking solutions. When operating our electric charging stations, we also attach particular importance to verifiable power supply from renewable energy sources,” explains Andreas Knops, Member of the Management Board and Head of Real Estate.

An attractive location for millions of visitors

The site of today’s “Center am Potsdamer Platz”, designed by architect Helmut Jahn, has been an architectural landmark in Berlin for around a quarter of a century. With a total area of 113,000 m², comprising offices, retail space and flats, the complex attracted around 7.1 million visitors a year before the remodelling. The main tenant is Deutsche Bahn AG, among others. The modernisation of the underground car park by Contipark contributes significantly to the attractiveness and functionality of this urban hub.