Making something new out of something old. A new building in the heart of the historic Speicherstadt (warehouse district) is a major undertaking. With the Machine Central Station, HHLA Immobilien has realized one of the most exciting construction projects in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and breathed new life into a piece of history: The historic building fabric was carefully revitalized and complemented by a modern head building that fills the gap left by the war.
The result: an impressive symbiosis of tradition and innovation that will have a lasting impact on the Speicherstadt's cityscape.
Construction period
Property developer
2021 to 2026
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft
1888 to the present day - a special story
1886 to 1888
The first construction
The former central engine station in Block M on Brooksfleet was completed in 1888 as part of the first construction phase of the Speicherstadt (Warehouse District). Steam-powered engines supplied the entire Speicherstadt with hydraulic energy – centrally and independently of the public power grid. At peak times, the steam engines pumped hydraulic and electrical energy with a capacity exceeding 3000 horsepower throughout the Speicherstadt, thus providing the heartbeat for the still-young district.
1891
Damage caused by fire
The central machine station was severely damaged by a massive fire in 1891 and was rebuilt as a lower and partially modified building.
1943
Destruction in World War II
The devastating bombing of Hamburg during World War II completely destroyed the central engine station, as well as the adjacent warehouse block M 25-28.
The Hamburg architect Werner Kallmorgen partially rebuilt the complex by 1959.
2015
Designation as World Heritage
Since 2015, the machine center station at Sandtorkai has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt.
2016
Call for architectural competitions
The design competition was launched in 2016 and numerous designs were submitted. Based on these, the architectural firm BIWERMAU was commissioned with the planning and execution.
2022 to 2026
Start of the extensive renovation
The project was launched with initial measures starting in June 2021. The actual extensive renovation, with an investment volume in the tens of millions of euros, then began in August 2022.
The final finishing touches to this prestigious project are scheduled for completion by the end of May 2026.
The vision comes to life
Since August 2025, the team at the interior design firm FORMWÆNDE has been working on the interior design project. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, a love of detail, a holistic perspective, and inexhaustible creativity, they are gradually transforming a construction site into a welcoming and comfortable space.
