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Preservation Groups Prepare Lawsuit to Protect Berlin’s SEZ After Stop-Work Order

They seek monument protection by invoking environmental-law standing validated by a Bavarian court.

Overview

  • NaturFreunde Berlin and Gemeingut in BürgerInnenhand say they will file in administrative court within days to secure monument status for the SEZ and halt its removal.
  • The Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg building authority has paused on-site works with a stop-work order that allows only repairs and safety measures.
  • The legal strategy cites the Umwelt-Rechtsbehelfsgesetz and an Ansbach ruling that recognized association standing to challenge decisions affecting protected heritage.
  • The state monument office rejected protection for the SEZ in September, a decision the groups contend is legally contestable under environmental-law remedies.
  • WBM is pursuing a redevelopment for up to 680 apartments with some SEZ elements retained as historical markers, while more than 150 scholars have urged full preservation.