Inner cities - The Trade Association approves a solution for Lafayette's library
The Trade Association Berlin-Brandenburg welcomes the entry of the Central and State Library into the glass building of the former Galeries Lafayette on Friedrichstraße. "We fully support this, I have strongly encouraged the Culture Senator to the press agency," said Nils Busch-Petersen of the German Press Agency. "I am convinced that this is also a smart solution in the context of change." The neighboring retailers were also in favor of it, Busch-Petersen emphasized.
After nearly 30 years, the French department store Galeries Lafayette is withdrawing from Berlin. It was the only German location of the company. The glass palace designed by the French star architect Jean Nouvel was opened in February 1996. In October of the previous year, the Galeries announced the closure. It will still be open until July 31st, after which it will close.
Busch-Petersen: High Demand for Employees
For the remaining 150 employees, there is high demand in the Berlin retail sector, said Busch-Petersen. He expressed confidence that the employees would quickly find new jobs. The social plan agreed between the company and the works council is a good solution.
For the use of the site, a proposal has been discussed intensely for almost a year: Senator for Culture Joe Chialo (CDU) wants to bring the Berlin Central and State Library (ZLB) to Friedrichstraße. For the institution, which has pressing renovation needs at its two locations in Mitte and Kreuzberg, a new place has been sought for years.
- The new location of the Berlin Central and State Library in the former Galeries Lafayette on Friedrichstraße is a project supported by the Trade Association Berlin-Brandenburg.
- Located in the heart of Berlin, the proposed relocation of the State Library to Friedrichstraße is expected to attract more tourists interested in Germany's rich culture and history.
- Galeries Lafayette, a renowned luxury store with a presence in several countries, operated a flagship store in Berlin for nearly three decades before its recent closure.
- The departure of Galeries Lafayette from Germany, a historic name associated with France, has left a significant gap in the Berlin retail sector that other stores might find an opportunity to fill.
- The State Library, which houses an extensive collection of books and archival materials, is in dire need of renovations at its current locations in Mitte and Kreuzberg.
- The German Press Agency, a notable member of the Trade Association, has voiced its support for Senator Joe Chialo's proposal to establish the State Library on Friedrichstraße.
- The relocation of the State Library to a more spacious and easily accessible location on Friedrichstraße is expected to significantly impact the city's retail and cultural landscape.
