On 15-16 September, 13 members from ULI Netherlands visited Hamburg for an opportunity to learn about land use in Germany and to share their expertise on urban development in the Netherlands.

The two-day programme kicked off with a visit to Passagenviertel, a vibrant shopping district in the heart of Hamburg. Architect and ULI Germany member Julia Erdmann (Stephen Williams Associates) led the tour, which showcased the district’s unique architecture and high standard of urban development.

Following the tour, the group made their way to DG HYP for a Cross-Border Real Estate Forum with members of ULI Germany.  ULI Netherlands members Feike Siewertsz van Reesema (Siewertsz Beleggingen), Ronald Huikeshoven (AM) and Loes Driessen (CBRE) gave a presentation on current developments and projects in Amsterdam.  This was followed by a presentation on real estate finance and investment strategy by DG HYP’s Head of CRE Finance, Steffen Günther.

The day ended with a tour of Emporio, the headquarters of Union Investment.  The group learned about the recent, extensive refurbishment of the landmark building in Hamburg.

Day two of the study tour comprised a visit to Hafencity, a waterfront quarter that is also one of the largest urban regeneration areas in Europe. The old port warehouses that formerly made up the area are steadily being replaced with residential developments, hotels, retail offerings and office buildings. HafenCity Chief Executive and ULI Trustee Jürgen Bruns-Berentelg presented the area’s redevelopment strategy.

“The exchange between the National Councils adds so much value to the ULI network,” said ULI Germany Executive Director Claudia Gotz. “Not only did we have the chance to share insights of the German market with our Dutch friends; we also learned a lot from them about how they transform their cities into lively and future-oriented places.”