Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier: A destination with sustainability at its core

Part of one of the most ambitious urban regeneration projects in Europe, HafenCity, Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier exemplifies URW’s committed approach to sustainable development and social impact, while partnering with cities on their environmental transition. Built on a former industrial site, the project highlights the Group’s dedication not just to building a destination, but to creating a lasting district for the city of Hamburg.

With a clear commitment to sustainability, this programme effectively combines cutting-edge design with a focus on the well-being of the local community, creating jobs and reshaping the urban landscape for a positive, long-term impact. A testament to this commitment, the project has earned both the BREEAM Communities and BREEAM New Construction "Excellent" certificates, marking it as a beacon of sustainable urban development in Germany.

Building and operating with energy and resources top of mind

At the core of Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier’s sustainability efforts lies its impressive energy performance and resource-conscious construction techniques. The project remediated nearly 1 million tonnes of polluted soil, turning a former gasworks site into a thriving urban oasis. In addition, 90% of the cement used in its construction is low carbon, which resulted in savings of 23,800 tonnes of CO₂.

Each building has been designed to minimise energy consumption, heating and cooling, with LED lighting installed in all common areas and 100% of electricity provided by renewable energy. All timber used for the development was sustainably sourced, and recycled steel was incorporated as concrete reinforcement, further reducing carbon emissions.

Throughout the planning and construction, rigorous attention was paid to preserving and enhancing biodiversity. Green spaces and wildlife-friendly areas pepper the new district, as well as green roofs and vertical gardens that support bee and bird populations.

Fostering social and community impact

Beyond environmental targets, Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier was specifically designed to have a positive social impact on its surrounding communities. The development creates 4,000 jobs in the retail, restaurants and hotel sectors (which, when combined with its 4,000 office workers and 2,000 residents, means that 10,000 people will live and work in the district).

The development offers a sustainable mobility approach through connections to public transport, including its own metro station and bus lines, as well as the provision of around 3,500 bicycle parking spaces. This reduces the need for private vehicle usage, effectively lowering transportation emissions by an estimated 8,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

The new district also emphasises inclusivity and accessibility, welcoming people of all ages and abilities. By partnering with local institutions, URW has committed to supporting educational initiatives and social projects that foster a strong sense of community engagement. This collaborative approach has already involved residents through neighbourhood events and stakeholder meetings, ensuring the voices of those in the community were heard throughout the development.

Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier is a clear statement about what is possible in sustainable urban regeneration, and how partnerships can revitalise communities, nurture local economies and foster more sustainable cities. The environmental and social measures that are part of the new quarter’s design align well with URW’s Better Places sustainability commitments, which set out the Group’s ambition to be a net zero company on scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, and net zero across all scopes by 2050.

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