Berlin's Späthsfelde: Senate's Major Development Plans Spark Controversy
The Berlin Senate is planning a major new development on the Späthsfelde area, a 100-hectare site currently characterized by small gardens, meadows, fields, and the arboretum. The project aims to create a mixed-use quarter with residential, commercial, and educational spaces. However, the plans have sparked controversy due to the area's historical and ecological significance.
The Späthsfelde area is home to the Späth'sche Baumschule, a historic nursery with significant ecological value. The district mayor of Treptow-Köpenick has emphasized the importance of preserving this open space. The Berlin Senate, however, has initiated preparatory studies to develop the area into a socially oriented and climate-neutral urban quarter, with plans to build up to 4,000 apartments.
The proposed development has faced strong opposition from environmental groups like BUND Berlin and local residents. They argue that the area's lack of infrastructure and its ecological significance make it unsuitable for large-scale construction. The small-scale ownership structure in Späthsfelde has also posed challenges to swift development. Protests by gardeners and environmental organizations are planned ahead of the Senate Administration's presentation of revised concepts on October 15.
The future of the Späthsfelde area remains uncertain as stakeholders debate its best use. While the Senate envisions a new urban quarter, opponents advocate for preserving the green space to mitigate the city's heat island effect and protect valuable urban nature. The campaign 'Save Green Spaces - Heat Protection Now!' highlights the importance of long-term protection for such areas.
