Cologne, March 20, 2026. On March 19, 2026, the wvm Group hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking on Ostmerheimer Straße in Cologne-Merheim, officially kicking off the construction of 120 modern rental apartments. About 50 guests from the worlds of politics, government, the housing industry, and the neighborhood accepted the invitation to celebrate the start of this significant housing project together.
Among those attending the ceremony was Claudia Greven-Thürmer, district mayor of Kalk. A particularly memorable moment was her speech, in which she emphasized the project’s significance for the neighborhood with the following words:
“As a resident of Merheim, I’ve been able to witness firsthand the neighborhood’s transformation from a commercial area into an attractive, family-friendly residential area. I’m very pleased that, with the laying of the cornerstone, the final cornerstone for the Merheimer Gärten is now being laid as well.”
The new development will feature four apartment buildings with a total of 120 rental units on a site spanning approximately 5,300 square meters. The plans include one- to four-room apartments with living areas ranging from approximately 37 to 91 square meters. All apartments feature balconies, terraces, or rooftop terraces. The development is complemented by 63 underground parking spaces. The buildings will be constructed in accordance with current energy efficiency standards and will be supplied with district heating.
Erika Werres, Managing Director of the wvm Group, opened the event with the following remarks:
“With today’s groundbreaking ceremony, we are sending a clear signal about the creation of urgently needed housing in Cologne. As a Cologne-based company, it goes without saying that we take responsibility for sustainable neighborhood development. We are creating a home for many people, and that makes me proud.”
Construction is being handled by GOLDBECK—a partner known for its progressive and customized construction methods that meet high architectural standards. Axel Wirges, Cologne-Bonn Branch Manager at GOLDBECK West GmbH, explained:
“With this project, we’re working together with the wvm Group to create high-quality yet affordable housing for Cologne.
Thanks to our systematic construction approach, we can optimally combine quality, sustainability, and rapid completion—an important contribution to the future of urban living.”
Upon completion, all 120 apartments will be added to VIVAWEST’s portfolio. Sandra Wehrmann, Chair of the Executive Board at VIVAWEST, emphasized the project’s significance for Cologne’s housing market:
“VIVAWEST manages around 4,900 apartments in Cologne, where demand significantly outstrips supply. With this new neighborhood, we’re working with our project partners to ease pressure on the tight rental market and expand our local portfolio with a fantastic project. We have already collaborated successfully with the wvm Group in Cologne over the past few years—which is why I am confident that our future tenants will feel right at home in their new residences.”
Completion of the new residential neighborhood is scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028.