The transformation of Düsseldorf's MedienHafen
From industrial harbour to a diverse gem
Düsseldorf's Medienhafen is a prime example of successful urban development and adaptation to economic change.
Originally built as an industrial harbour, the area has changed many times over the last 150 years. From the 1980s onwards, it was able to develop into one of the most dynamic and architecturally impressive districts. The history of Düsseldorf's Medienhafen is an impressive example of how visionary urban planning and targeted investment can turn a brownfield site into a vibrant and valuable urban district. The continuing demand and the positive performance of the properties are proof of the success of this transformation.
Vom Rheinhafen zum Medienhafen
Crises that became opportunities
The place that the people of Düsseldorf know and love today as the Media Harbour was opened as an industrial harbour in 1896 and was considered one of the most modern Rhine ports in its time. However, with the economic changes of the post-war period and the crisis in the steel and coal industry in the 1960s, the harbour lost its importance. In the 1970s, the city of Düsseldorf began to redevelop the harbour to create space for modern office and service buildings.
The cornerstone for the transformation was laid with the construction of the Rheinturm (Rhine Tower) and the state parliament building in the 1980s. It continued with the establishment of media and consulting companies in the 1990s.
The Media Harbour as an architectural exhibition
In the wake of renowned architects
The redesign of the Media Harbour attracted some of the world's most renowned architects. Frank O. Gehry, David Chipperfield and Helmut Jahn have created architectural milestones here that have made the district internationally famous. Buildings such as the Neue Zollhof, the Colorium and the Sign have become landmarks of the new Media Harbour.
The unique collection of different architectural icons has attracted numerous companies, including leading media houses, consulting firms and fashion companies. The Medienhafen has thus developed into an economic hotspot with around 800 companies and over 8,600 employees based there.
From industrial site to place to live
At the beginning of a sustained boom
The transformation of the Medienhafen has led to a significant increase in the value of the properties. Originally ridiculed as an industrial wasteland, the land and property prices in the harbour area have multiplied. The mixture of first-class architecture, close proximity to the city centre and the neighbourhood of the Rhine has made the quarter one of the most sought-after locations in Düsseldorf.
The establishment of high-end gastronomy and top-class office space has sustainably increased the value of the area. The luxurious WINWIN residential project has also contributed to this. The development underlines the successful reorientation of the Media Harbour as a first-class location for living, working and leisure.
