© dpa
The renovation work on the 1.2 kilometre long roof of the former Tempelhof Airport is entering its final round.
Construction work to renovate the roof and concrete ceiling of the apron roofing has been underway since the end of May. Building Senator Christian Gaebler (SPD) paid a visit to see the progress of the work. "It is our duty to preserve this building and continue to open it up to urban society," he said.
The aim is to preserve the monument and operate the space. "The renovation of the roof is a key component of this." It is urgently needed in order to permanently ensure the load-bearing capacity, said Fabian Schmitz-Grethlein, Managing Director of the Tempelhof project company. "This is the only way we can make the areas below the roof available for future use, which is our declared goal."
During the construction work now underway, the roof structure will be replaced, among other things. The old structure will be dismantled and the pollutants it contains will be removed. The reinforced concrete ceiling on the underside will be renovated. The work is due to be completed by the end of 2026 and will cost around 34 million euros.
The canopy was built between 1935 and 1941 and covers an area of 21,400 square metres. Not only the roof, but also the rest of the former airport is in need of refurbishment. The building, which was designed by the Nazis as a "world airport", contains pollutants everywhere. The fire protection is not up to scratch. Changes are also difficult due to the listed building status. As a result, many rooms cannot be used at present.