Authority for Urban Development and Housing

The Authority for Urban Development and Housing (BSW) is one of eleven Senate authorities of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. These correspond to the ministries in a federal state. The Senate generally decides on matters of general importance for Hamburg. Decentralized administrative tasks are usually decided by the districts and their elected district assemblies. However, the Senate can also take such decisions via the so-called evocation right and corresponding reserved areas such as Science City.

Against this backdrop, BSW is responsible for the entire urban development and housing policy of the Hanseatic city. The overriding goal is to maintain and further develop Hamburg as a city worth living in. To this end, the authority develops long-term strategies and concepts for urban development and creates suitable framework conditions for the construction of affordable housing and the modernization of living space. The BSW is also responsible for maintaining the quality of urban development and building culture in public spaces. It is responsible for the redevelopment and upgrading of entire city districts and neighborhoods as well as the design and implementation of the legal framework for construction planning.

With the intention of actively shaping the transformation of the city and developing Hamburg for the future, Hamburg has launched a large number of major urban development projects in recent years. In doing so, the Hanseatic city is focusing on space-saving and sustainable urban development that makes better use of the urban infrastructure and emphasizes urban qualities such as diversity of use and a mix of uses. This goal of efficient land use applies not only to residential construction, but also to workplaces, social infrastructure facilities and educational and scientific institutions.

As the core of the Science City development site has been designated as a reserved area, the Hamburg Senate is responsible for planning, development plans and building permits. As the supervisory authority, BSW also manages and coordinates the overall development of Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld via the city's HafenCity Hamburg GmbH with its subsidiary, Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld GmbH.