The future of the Galeria department store on Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte remains uncertain. A negotiating meeting between the ownership company Commerz Real and the Berlin Senate did not result in a final agreement. However, the negotiations should continue, as the economic administration and the cultural administration jointly announced. The move of the Central and State Library (ZLB) into the building remains on the table.
“One thing is clear: CommerzReal AG’s offer to the state of Berlin to use the location for the ZLB cannot be accepted in its current form,” the statement says. “Veritable negotiation steps are still required to clarify whether there can be a way to find a solution that is acceptable for all sides.”
This is linked to the fact that during these negotiations there should be no uncertainty about the continued existence of the usage agreement with the Galeria department store.
What will happen to the employees?
The user agreement between Galeria and the owner was extended last year until the end of August 2026. However, that would have meant that the first layoffs would have been threatened at the end of January – because of the notice periods of up to seven months for long-term employees among the approximately 350 employees.
This initially appears to have been averted: Commerz Real has expressed its willingness to extend the usage agreement with the Galeria at Alexanderplatz beyond 2026, the statement continues.
All those involved have agreed to continue negotiating and working to find an amicable, affordable solution. “There was a clear commitment from both sides to complete the negotiations by summer 2026.”
Mixed use preferred
Commerz Real would like the Central and State Library (ZLB) to move into the building and is aiming for mixed use in which Galeria remains a part. The main sticking point is the amount of rent for the ZLB. Whether an agreement will be reached remains to be seen in further discussions.
A new location has been sought for years for the central and state library, which is currently in two locations on Blücherplatz and Breite Straße, and is in urgent need of renovation. In addition to the department store on Alexanderplatz, there has also been discussion about moving into the former Lafayette building on Friedrichstrasse. Ex-Culture Senator Joe Chialo (CDU) campaigned for this. This idea also failed, not least for cost reasons.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:260114-930-546088/1
