“Modern, functional, realistically sized, inclusive, and sustainable – both the German Bundesliga clubs in Berlin need a perspective, irrespective of whether this relates to an upgrading for 1. FC Union or a new build for Hertha BSC. It is a matter close to my heart to support and expedite these projects. In all of this, the question of a location for a new build for Hertha BSC is crucial,” said Senator for Sports Iris Spranger, who had set up two working parties for the possible realization of Hertha’s stadium project.

Matthias Schöner, urban planner and associate partner at AS+P, attended the first session of the review group, which will address individual issues surrounding a new stadium construction, on behalf of Hertha BSC. Back in 2016 Hertha commissioned AS+P to conduct a location survey for a new football stadium with a capacity of 50,000 spectators in the Berlin metropolitan area.

As from Hertha’s view the existing Olympia stadium does not satisfy the requirements as regards among other things the existing track and field facilities and the related distance between the spectators and events on the pitch, 50 location options were analyzed and in part elaborated on in the shape of location concepts culminating also in functional designs for some of these. In this connection, Hertha recently dismissed their previously favored location option of “Rominter Allee” in light of existing residential uses that compete for the same location.

Kay Bernstein, President of Hertha BSC e.V., welcomes the fact that the current discussions are moving things forward as regards the stadium project: “We are delighted that the expert working parties have commenced their work to examine the feasibility of building a dedicated and purely privately financed stadium in the Olympic Park. We thank all those involved, in particular Senator Spranger as the initiator, for the overarching, fast work and now very much look forward to joint meetings – that will hopefully lead up to implementation.”