A major leasing success for Düsseldorf’s office market and a key milestone for NEW HEART on the block: Uniper will occupy the approximately 120-meter-high office tower within the mixed-use development being realized by die developer Projektentwicklung GmbH at Kennedydamm. From 2030, the building is set to serve as the energy company’s new Düsseldorf headquarters, bringing together around 2,900 employees currently spread across two buildings in the city’s MedienHafen district.
Uniper has signed a long-term lease for approximately 36,500 square meters of office space across 31 floors. The building will accommodate around 1,800 workstations. With this agreement, die developer has secured one of Düsseldorf’s largest employers as the project’s anchor tenant even before construction begins. The lease has been signed for an initial term of 15 years.
“Uniper’s commitment is an important signal for Düsseldorf’s office market. It also highlights the quality of Kennedydamm as a business location,” said Stefan H. Mühling, Managing Director and Founder of die developer. “We are delighted by the confidence Uniper has placed in us and look forward to delivering another future-oriented project in Düsseldorf.”
From Architectural Competition to Corporate Headquarters
NEW HEART on the block has been under development by die developer since 2022. The project originated from a joint architectural competition organized together with the City of Düsseldorf. The competition process included a multi-stage public participation program. Since then, the winning design has been further refined in collaboration with UNS and HPP Architects.
The existing building on Hans-Böckler-Straße is currently being dismantled, with construction scheduled to commence in early 2027.
NEW HEART on the block combines office, residential, and publicly accessible uses. In addition to the office tower, the development will feature a residential tower and a pavilion offering community spaces, restaurants, and local retail amenities. A landscaped public square will connect the development to the surrounding neighborhood.
The project is targeting LEED Platinum certification. Sustainability features include building-integrated photovoltaic systems and extensive rainwater retention areas.
“With NEW HEART on the Block, Düsseldorf will gain a new landmark at one of the city’s most important gateways,” commented Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of Düsseldorf. “The combination of living, working, and so-called third spaces highlights the holistic planning approach. The fact that Uniper has already committed to the project sends a strong signal and demonstrates a clear commitment to Düsseldorf as a business location.”
Tailored to Uniper’s Requirements
The new headquarters will allow Uniper to integrate its specific technical, digital, and security requirements into the building design from the outset. As an operator of critical energy infrastructure, the company centralizes key operational functions at its Düsseldorf location.
At the same time, the building will provide a flexible workplace environment designed to support hybrid working models, collaboration, and focused individual work.
Comprehensive Selection and Advisory Process
The decision to choose NEW HEART on the block followed an extensive strategic review and selection process supported by Cushman & Wakefield and pro m². As part of a “Stay vs. Go” analysis, the company evaluated long-term requirements relating to location, office space, workplace concepts, security, and sustainability across different scenarios.
Hogan Lovells acted as legal advisor to Uniper, while McDermott Will & Schulte provided legal counsel to die developer.
“This lease demonstrates that high-quality office developments designed around occupiers’ needs can succeed even in challenging market conditions,” said Stefan H. Mühling. “It also validates the concept behind NEW HEART on the block and reflects our many years of work in Düsseldorf and at Kennedydamm. The project’s realization in a demanding market environment is made possible by our partnership with ZECH Real Estate AG, which has now existed for almost two decades.”
With developments such as Eclipse and Horizon, die developer has already helped shape the Kennedydamm district in recent years. NEW HEART on the block marks the company’s next major project in Düsseldorf.
Key Facts About NEW HEART on the block
- Location: Kennedydamm / Hans-Böckler-Straße 37–39, 40476 Düsseldorf
- Anchor Tenant (Office Tower): Uniper
- Leased Area (Uniper): Approx. 36,500 m²
- Office Tower: Approx. 120 meters high, 31 floors
- Planned Move-In (Uniper): 2030
- Workstations: Approx. 1,800 for around 2,900 employees
- Developer: die developer Projektentwicklung GmbH
- Architecture: UNS and HPP Architects
- Project Management / Technical Advisory: pro m²
- Transaction Management / Tenant Representation: Cushman & Wakefield
- Legal Advisor to Uniper: Hogan Lovells
- Legal Advisor to die developer: McDermott Will & Schulte
About die developer Projektentwicklung GmbH
Part of ZECH Real Estate AG, die developer Projektentwicklung GmbH is one of Germany’s leading real estate developers and is known for landmark projects including Kö-Bogen, Eclipse, and Horizon. The company has been developing real estate projects in North Rhine-Westphalia since 2008 and expanded its activities to Berlin in 2020.
