Further creative use in the heart of St. Pauli

Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft mbH has rented the historic Alte Schule at Seilerstraße 41/43 from the municipal Sprinkenhof GmbH, which belongs to the finance authority. The listed building, which dates back to 1888, will in future be let by Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft for a variety of creative uses. Located in a quiet side street in the heart of St. Pauli, not far from the Reeperbahn, the old school is an important example of Hamburg's brick architecture of the time and reflects the educational aspirations of the time. With two separate entrances for "girls" and "boys", large symmetrically arranged windows and a sheltered inner courtyard with a newly designed green space, it offers an inspiring environment for creative uses and thus contributes to the sustainable development of the neighbourhood. The lease begins on 16 July 2025 and is fixed until mid-2029.

The four-storey building has around 2,282 m² of office space, a gym with around 282 m² and basement space of around 455 m². The building also has an attractive inner courtyard, which will also be part of the future use. The building is to be rented exclusively to creative and cultural professionals in order to further promote the cultural diversity of the neighbourhood.

Dr Andreas Dressel, Senator for Finance and Chairman of the Sprinkenhof Supervisory Board: "With the agreement that has now been concluded, we have found a strong perspective for the property in the heart of St. Pauli. My thanks go to all those involved in the project, who have achieved this result together with a great deal of commitment."

Dr Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media: "The creative industries are becoming increasingly important for Hamburg. With the old school in Seilerstraße, we can offer urgently needed space to give creative people in the city the space they need to successfully realise their ideas - this also includes players from the visual and performing arts as well as music. The rental of the listed building by Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft is also an important signal for the development of St. Pauli. Together, we are preserving the character of this neighbourhood, strengthening the city's creative scenes and creating a place that can become a new engine room for the creative industries through joint exchange."

Jan Zunke, Managing Director of Sprinkenhof GmbH: "We are delighted to have secured the future use of this important building as a place for creativity and culture in Hamburg by signing the lease. In addition, the entire area with its lively neighbourhood will be sustainably strengthened by revitalising and further developing the historic building fabric - a creative place that will enrich the district."

Egbert Rühl, Managing Director of Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft: "This is the 16th property that Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft is currently operating throughout the city in order to create workspaces for the creative industries. Over the next few weeks, more than 50 creative professionals will be starting up their businesses in the former school. At the same time, this will put an end to a vacancy in a central location in the neighbourhood. Further proof that these uses are worthwhile for all sides. We would like to thank everyone involved, especially Sprinkenhof GmbH for their flexibility and the users for their patience."

In future, the building will be used by a diverse mix of creative disciplines: These include design and illustration offices, fashion studios, jewellery and ceramic workshops as well as photo studios. Artists from the visual arts will also work here, both in individual studios and in shared spaces. The creative spectrum will be complemented by a rehearsal room for performing arts as well as actors from the music sector, for example from the areas of recording studios, label work and production management. The first tenants will start work in the coming weeks - gradually creating a lively place for artistic production and interdisciplinary exchange in the heart of St. Pauli.

During its use as a school, the property witnessed numerous generations of pupils and played an important role in the social fabric of the neighbourhood. In recent years, the building has been used for a variety of purposes - from cultural events to studios and modern offices. Most recently, it served as an administrative and training area for Aida Cruises; for example, special choreographies for cruise ships were rehearsed in the adjoining gymnasium.

The entire area is located in a lively neighbourhood with a diverse cultural and culinary offering as well as small shops that reflect the cosmopolitan flair of the district. Sustainable urban development is supported by the preservation of the historic building fabric and tree planting in the inner courtyard - these are part of the local green concept and must not be altered.