For Arco Buijs, spokesperson of the executive board of Steigenberger Hotel AG, the new location fits perfectly with the company's strategy for expansion: "By choosing Berlin for another hotel location, we are getting involved in a market that continues to grow substantially. The location, right by the central station of the federal capital, represents a AAA-site for us. With around 410 rooms, this hotel will not only be the biggest InterCity Hotel, but also the flagship of our brand".

Site owner and district developer, Vivico, hopes construction of the 30-metre-high-building will begin within the year. "If we can implement our ambitious time schedule, then we will be able to begin construction work as early as the third quarter 2011", says Henrik Thomsen, Head of Vivico Berlin. Vivico will therefore be realising two construction projects in the immediate vicinity of the central station - the new InterCity Hotel and the new German headquarters of TOTAL. In addition, two further companies have recently acquired plots in the Europacity development area. "Among investors, developers and users alike, this location has now become recognised and accepted", says Thomsen.

"Given the highly visible location around the central station of the federal capital, a high standard of architectural quality will be required", emphasised Berlin senate construction director, Regula Lüscher. "We can ensure this quality thanks to the procedures and quality demands of all those involved, and as a result the outcome will be very positive." The architectural designs being presented are based on fundamental principles of urban development that emerged from a competition held in 2006. The senat's construction director is also sure the additional quality assurance procedure of the Berlin construction committee has proved worthwile. "We discussed the plans by Reichel+Stauth within the development advisory board, in order to ensure the appropirate fit and architectural quality of this urban development", Lüscher explains.

Dieter Reichel from the offices of Reichel+Stauth: "With the differentiated division of the structure and a high-grade material for the facade we are setting new standards. The projection and recess of the storeys give the building a unique identity. These will be expressed at the same time in the planned development of the surrounding area, which will pick up on this theme."

"After a long time in the planning stage, we are now in the tangible, visible phase of implementing the projects", says Ephraim Gothe of the construction council for the district of Mitte. "It is important for the area that the old wounds caused by the Iron Curtain are healed and that, piece by piece, the wasteland becomes a lively part of town. The new hotel is an important building block in this".

Viador is involved in the project in a mediatory and advisory role. Viador is a joint venture by the hotel consulting company, Feuring, and Vivico. The building will comprise a gross surface area of 19,800 m² and will offer room for around 70 parking spaces. An additional restaurant business, not belonging to the hotel, will open the building up to the surrounding area and help to liven up the public space.