The imminent move of the SMS Group to its new headquarters in Mönchengladbach raises the question of the future use of the company's properties in Düsseldorf. HPP is currently planning to transform the existing 28,000 square metre SMS headquarters complex on Eduard-Schloemann-Strasse into a residential complex. Up to 350 two- and four-room flats could be created in the striking brick building, which will have a partially green façade in the future. The technical storeys on the roof, which are around ten metres high, will be replaced by three staggered storeys in a sustainable timber hybrid construction. In the spirit of a lively neighbourhood, a daycare centre, a bakery and café, a restaurant, a supermarket, co-working and event spaces complete the building ensemble. A mobility hub with bicycle rental completes the offer. In addition to the conversion of the existing building, the plans include a further extension building towards the Düssel with flats and subsidised housing.
The conversion work and the extension alone will create 5,000 square metres of additional space. The conversion concept is a proposed solution to relieve the already very tight housing market in Düsseldorf by providing new housing, while preserving existing building structures. In this way, grey energy is reused and CO2 is saved.
