Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) handed over approximately 3,700 square metres of additional rental space in the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district in Hamburg to Miniatur Wunderland, a model railway attraction. This means that the expansion of the most popular tourist attraction in Hamburg can get under way

In the last 15 months, HHLA Real Estate has thoroughly renovated Warehouse Block L, which is between Am Sandtorkai and the Kehrwieder canal. The clinker building is more than 130 years old and part of the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district UNESCO World Heritage site. The historical warehouse complex has been renovated by HHLA gradually over the last 20 years.

In section L33 of the building, Miniatur Wunderland is taking over almost 3,700 square metres of space. The five warehouse floors are handed over as a shell to the new tenant – Miniatur Wunderland will be responsible for the interior construction. According to their statements, the plan is to construct a miniature of the South American continent.

Alongside land conditioning and extensive renovation of the building’s technology, HHLA took special care with the preservation and restoration of the historical elements. Included in these are the wooden skylights and steel window grills. HHLA also expanded the stairwell and included a new lift and an additional emergency exit as preparation for the expected visitor numbers. All measures were undertaken in close coordination with the local monument preservation office.

Part of the additional space is a new pedestrian bridge. It creates a direct and weatherproof crossing between Miniatur Wunderland’s existing exhibition spaces in Warehouse Block D and the new space on the opposite side of the canal in Warehouse Block L. The spectacular, fully-enclosed glass bridge was erected over the Kehrwieder canal in July of last year. Miniatur Wunderland visitors will soon be joined by the world’s longest model railway along the bridge’s full 25 metres.

“I am so glad that we are able to hand over the additional space and the pedestrian bridge to Miniatur Wunderland according to schedule, despite pandemic-related challenges,” says Rainer Schluff, technical managing director of HHLA Real Estate. “Together with the planners and architects from Miniatur Wunderland, we worked intensively on this very demanding project and created the perfect conditions for the further development of one of the most popular tourist magnets in Hamburg. I wish the model railway enthusiasts success for their further expansion and am excited to see the new miniature worlds in the Speicherstadt.”