REVITALISATION
OF THE CCH
Several hurdles have been cleared and the course for the remodelling and
comprehensive modernisation of the CCH has been set. Construction work
is scheduled to begin in 2017 and the “new CCH” is slated to open in 2019.
EVERYTHING WAS FINALLY READY IN 1973 and
the Hanseatic City of Hamburg received a new landmark after
just three years of construction. Between the Dammtor
mainline railway station and Planten un Blomen park rose Eu-
rope’s currently most avant-garde convention centre, made
clearly visible by of the adjacent 108 metre-high hotel com-
plex. Ever since its inauguration by German President Gustav
Heinemann, the CCH has repeatedly set new standards and
records. To date, thousands of conventions, symposia, an-
nual general meetings, party conventions, award ceremonies
and many more events have been held at the CCH. In addi-
tion, there have been countless concerts and shows, some of
which have also been broadcast on television. Generations of
citizens of Hamburg have danced their feet off at balls held
at the CCH. Or people have met up for get-togethers, net-
working or to make new contacts at one of the many festive
events – impeccably staged galas, traditional German meals
or church congresses.
In spite of the stiff competition, the CCH has maintained
its position as a leading international venue for conventions
and events over four decades. Yet the future makes new de-
mands and holds new challenges. So that the CCH is able
to maintain and expand its position as a leading convention
centre, the Hamburg Parliament made a landmark decision
for the sustainability of HMC in December 2014 when it gave
the go-ahead for the revitalisation of the CCH.
THE ENTIRE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT, which is
to be implemented between 2017 and 2019 and will offer
new dimensions for future event formats, will cost EUR 194
million. The plans for the new south-east facade of the CCH,
which won an international façade competition in May 2014,
were drawn up by agn leusmann GmbH in conjunction with
Tim Hupe Architekten. The panel of expert jurors praised
the work for the simple yet compelling manner in which it
addresses and communicates with the architecture of the
existing CCH. The horizontal stratification with cantilever
slabs provides an immediate reference to the base of the
hotel, opening the CCH and the spacious belvedere to
Planten un Blomen park. The facade is also characterised
by a simple construction.” From a historical preservation
✱ ✱ ✱
The CCH – Congress Center Hamburg will continue its
legacy as one of Europe’s largest convention centres after
undergoing remodelling and comprehensive modernisation.
More happens
here
RESPECTING TRADITION
32
Hamburg Messe und Congress | Annual Report 2014
THE NEW CCH