Huge project in Saarbrücken: C&A building becomes a dream home for seniors!

Huge project in Saarbrücken: C&A building becomes a dream home for seniors!

The conversion of the C&A building on Viktoriastrasse in Saarbrücken, which has been vacant for over 15 years, is taking concrete shape. Mayor Uwe Conradt (CDU) announced at a press conference in the Saarbrücken town hall that the new investor Hans Sachs from Sachs Real Estate GmbH wants to invest at least 38 million euros in the project. The conversion and expansion of the building is considered a key investment in revitalizing the city center, which suffers from vacancies.

The C&A building, which has been empty since 2010, was originally intended to be converted into a hotel. However, this plan failed due to the compelling challenges of the pandemic. The building is now being converted into assisted living, with around 170 apartments, mainly one-room apartments between 50 and 80 square meters, planned. Architect Rainer Streule is responsible for the planning and presented modified designs taking the design advisory board into account.

Planned amenities and amenities

The renovation should not only meet the needs of future residents, but also create attractive offers for the general public. On the ground floor there is a restaurant and a large event room for cultural events. Special highlights will be the roof terrace with over 1000 square meters, park-like areas, Kneipp baths, barbecue areas and a rooftop bar, which will also be used as a public city park.

The apartments from the fifth floor onwards will have green balconies, and to promote sustainability, the installation of charging stations for electric cars and bicycle parking spaces in the underground car park are planned. In addition, a photovoltaic system will be installed to increase energy efficiency.

Current status and schedule

After more than two years of standstill, the development plan was approved by the city council in February 2023. The building application is expected to be approved in August 2023. The building is currently in the clearing out phase. The city administration hopes that construction will begin after approval, with dismantling completed by November/December 2025. The entire project is targeted for completion by the end of 2026.

Long-term tenant Hartmut Ostermann from the Victor’s Group is also involved in the project. The plan is to operate the serviced apartments for 30 years, with an extension option. The services offered include a shopping service, medical care and everyday support. The conversion of the C&A building has the potential to revitalize Viktoriastraße and the Bahnhofsviertel and thus contribute to a more lively city center.

In summary, it can be said that the conversion of the C&A building represents a decisive step for the city of Saarbrücken. The high investments, the well-thought-out concept and the planned facilities promise not only the creation of living space, but also an upgrade of public space.

Further details about the plans can be found in the reports from Saarbrücken newspaper and SR.de.