Bochum Campus: Landmarken Sells Building 3 of the "Ideenschmiede"
The O-Werk Campus neighborhood development project by Landmarken AG is generating significant interest in the capital markets. Following the completion in early 2023 of the “Ideenschmiede” complex—comprising three building sections—the sale of Section 3 to La Française Real Estate Managers (REM) has now been finalized. For the buyer, the property—with a leasable area of approximately 5,290 square meters—is its first office building in Bochum. It was acquired on behalf of a collective real estate investment vehicle.
The O-Werk Campus, designed as an innovation district, is being built on MARK 51°7, the former Opel plant site in Bochum. This innovation hub, which will be LEED Gold certified, features a sustainable energy concept and a strong environmental footprint—ensured by the use of the district heating network and a photovoltaic system on its green roofs. The building, which has now been sold, is leased on a long-term basis to five tenants, including Landmarken AG itself. Parking spaces, some equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles, are available in the adjacent parking garage. The six-story office building was brokered by Cushman & Wakefield.
La Française Real Estate Managers Acquires Building 3 of the “Ideenschmiede”
“In La Française Real Estate Managers (REM), we have found a recognized real estate expert who will be a good point of contact for the tenants—of which we are also a part,” says Philipp Brinkmann, the investment manager at Landmarken responsible for the transaction. “The buyer is acquiring a prestigious, fully leased new-construction property in a location that is developing exceptionally well. This marks a groundbreaking start for our future projects at the O-Werk Campus and is a positive sign for the Bochum investment market.”
Mark Wolter is also “convinced of the long-term appeal of the new neighborhood and the sustainability of the property,” says the managing director of La Française Real Estate Managers Germany. “The acquisition of our first office property in Bochum is perfectly in line with our strategy to diversify our German real estate portfolio with properties that score very well on ESG criteria, as well as to expand our footprint in economically strong regions and metropolitan areas outside the ‘Top 7.’”
O-Werk | Campus Becomes an Innovative Neighborhood
Landmarken AG’s O-Werk | O-Werk Campus, which includes the 3 think tank, is evolving into an innovative neighborhood featuring smart building technology, services, and renewable energy concepts. As a result, it has already become one of the most attractive office locations in the Ruhrgebiet—especially for innovative companies and those seeking to offer their employees an inspiring environment where they can thrive. In addition to office spaces, the campus also offers complementary amenities such as mobility hubs, dining options, and childcare.
A comprehensive service concept featuring a neighborhood app meets the day-to-day needs of the neighborhood’s users. This includes a service point that will be operated by Stadtmarken Business GmbH, a sister company of Landmarken. The Service Point, featuring co-working spaces in the “Ideenschmiede 3,” will become the heart of the neighborhood, facilitating communication and collaboration. A community management team will address the needs of all users and, in addition, organize events and offer various services. Connected to a robust fiber-optic network, the campus is exceptionally well-served by public transportation—also thanks to the newly connected rail line 302.
The campus development did not begin with a new building: The O-Werk—a historic, listed building developed by Landmarken from existing stock—is now home to, among other things, the Worldfactory, the startup center of Ruhr University Bochum. Located in the former administrative building of the automobile plant, it offers co-working spaces, networking platforms, and FabLabs—providing ideal conditions for turning ideas into successful companies.
