Green light for new European Central Bank HQ

Construction of the new Germany-based European Central Bank (ECB) will start in the spring this year according to its Governing Council.

Due to open in 2014, the new 185 m tall building will be located in Frankfurt's Ostend and will be built at the site of the Grossmarkthalle (wholesale market).

Project architects, Coop Himmelblau said the double tower - with its polygonal shape and east-west orientation - has a "striking profile" that is visible from all important reference points in Frankfurt's city centre, as well as from the river Main.

Lead designer and CEO of Coop Himmelblau, Wolf D Prix said, "It is always an exciting moment when an idea becomes reality. We are very pleased about the decision of the Governing Council of the ECB that the new bank headquarters will now be built.

"I believe that it is not only an important building for us, but also for the European Union, because the building will be one of the important three-dimensional signs of the European Community. I am also proud that we will realise the project without any curtailments or compromises within the given budget."

The construction of the new premises has been divided into 12 separate packages, which were further subdivided into a total of 69 lots.

The first eight tender packages, namely structural works, on-site infrastructure works, elevators, facades, roofing, height-access systems, mechanical services and electrical services, were sent out to tender during the course of 2009. These eight packages consist of 44 lots and constitute around 80% of the building costs.

In a statement Jean-Claude Trichet, ECB president said, "We are delighted that our chosen tendering strategy has been successful and that our expectations have been met.

"Our future premises, the new home of the ECB and of the euro, will symbolise our values being at the service of fellow European citizens. The new premises will contribute to the development of Frankfurt's Ostend while respecting the existing Grossmarkthalle. We are looking forward to moving in 2014."

The tendering procedure for the first eight packages is being finalised and contracts with the construction companies will shortly be signed. It is expected that the four remaining packages will be put out to tender later this year.