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How BER Schönefeld Airport became a booming metropolis!
BER Airport has transformed Schönefeld into a dynamic region that is growing rapidly. Find out more about the change.
How BER Schönefeld Airport became a booming metropolis!
One of the biggest transformations in the Brandenburg region took place with the construction of Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER). What was once a tranquil place experienced a paradigm shift towards an urban airport landscape. Historical photographs bear witness to a radical change that began in 1953 with the military airfield and reached its peak in 2020 with the opening of the mega-airport. This transformation is viewed by moz.de as a milestone that has had a lasting impact on the area around Schönefeld.
Satellite images impressively illustrate this development. From 1984, when Interflug aircraft took off from the small East German airport Schönefeld, to the numerous construction projects that have been launched since then, the image of the region has changed dramatically. A time lapse from Google Earth documents how the groundbreaking for the BER took place in 2006, after the decision to expand had already been made in 1996. The opening was originally planned for 2011, but numerous delays meant that it ultimately only took place in 2020, reports rbb24.de.
Growth and changes
In order to meet current requirements, the expansion of the infrastructure is progressing tirelessly. New commercial areas and residential developments are being planned around the airport to meet the ever-growing needs of the population. Around 20,000 people currently live in Schönefeld, and 17,000 residents commute to work every day. This increase is a consequence of the infrastructural improvements, as can be seen, for example, in the planning for the new commercial and residential area “HORIZN BER CITY”. Over the next ten years, around 10,000 apartments are to be built in a 150-hectare development area, reports entwicklungsstadt.de.
Passenger numbers are already showing the first signs of recovery after the corona pandemic and are slowly increasing, even if they are still below the record numbers of 2019. This shows that the region, which was once a rural idyll, is now a thriving center for industry and commerce. The latest developments include the creation of living space for several thousand people and the establishment of additional commercial areas.
Transport connections of the future
Another important step in connecting the region to transport is the planned extension of the U7 subway line to the airport site. This measure was clearly prioritized by state politics because it is crucial for economic growth. An economic feasibility study is already in progress to cover the costs of around 200,000 euros. It is planned that the new subway stations will be built by 2035, which promises a further development boost for Schönefeld.
The transformation of Schönefeld from a military location to an important urban center is not only a testament to the architectural ambitions, but also reflects the economic potential that this region holds. The BER has not only transformed the infrastructure, but also increased the quality of life of residents and created many new opportunities. For the people of the region, the airport is more than just a hub—it is the heart of a thriving development.