Green Light for Henri Hotel, Restaurants and Shops in the “Alter Fischereihafen” (Old Fishing Port) in Cuxhaven, opening Summer 2026

(IN BRIEF) The project to revitalize Cuxhaven’s historic “Alter Fischereihafen” (Old Fishing Port) has moved forward with the approval of the first construction phase. This phase involves converting the former fish market and processing halls (Fischhallen V and VI) into a HENRI Country House hotel, alongside restaurants and retail outlets. The total investment for this phase is around €100 million.

Key Highlights:

• Anchor Tenant Secured: HENRI Hotel, a subsidiary of DSR Hotel Holding GmbH, will develop a 145-room hotel with modern amenities while preserving the historic charm of the fish market halls.
• Renovation Efforts: The project includes the modernization of Fish Halls IV, V, and VI, the quay wall, and the historic fishing net repair hall, enhancing the port’s overall appeal.
• Financial and Government Support: The project is backed by a consortium of banks and funding from the federal state of Lower Saxony and the Federal Government, ensuring financial stability and support for cultural and economic development.
• Community and Tourist Attraction: The HENRI Hotel aims to create a vibrant community hub with amenities like a lounge, gym, spa, and self-service dining, appealing to both locals and tourists.
• Future Development: The renovation of the quay wall will begin in Fall 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The project explores innovative energy solutions, including solar panels and a thermally activated steel sheet piling wall for heating and cooling.

In general, the redevelopment of the “Alter Fischereihafen” will transform the area into a modern, attractive location, boosting local tourism and providing new opportunities for the community.

(PRESS RELEASE) CUXHAVEN, Germany, 17-May-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Green light for the 1st construction phase in the “Alter Fischereihafen” (AFH)! Despite the current difficult market situation for real estate project developments due to significant cost and interest rate increases, the project company Alter Fischereihafen Cuxhaven GmbH (AFH GmbH) has succeeded in securing the anchor tenant for the hotel in the former commercial fish market and fish processing halls ‘Fischhallen’ V and VI and the financing for the associated investment package of around €100 million.

New hotspot for tourists and locals alike: HENRI Hotel unites tradition and modernity

In addition to the complete modernization of the historic Fish Halls IV, V and VI, the first construction phase includes the renovation of the quay wall and the historic fishing net repair hall. This will significantly upgrade the AFH as a whole and provide an excellent foundation for subsequent phases of construction. HENRI Hotel Cuxhaven GmbH, a subsidiary of DSR Hotel Holding GmbH from Rostock, will set up a HENRI Country House in Fischhallen V and VI alongside other restaurants and retail outlets.

“With the new HENRI Country House in Cuxhaven, we are not only benefiting from a unique location, but we are establishing an overall highly innovative concept. Our aim is to offer tradition and modernity in an inspiring ambience,” emphasizes Karl J. Pojer, CEO of DSR Hotel Holding.

Located in the heart of the old fishing port, the 145-room hotel embodies the flair of the historic fish market hall and aims to become a hotspot for travelers and locals alike. The interior incorporates 1920´s design elements and combines the rough charm of the industrial building with a modern and cozy ambience that goes beyond the mainstream.

Located on the first floor of the former fish market halls, the HENRI Lounge is both a lively meeting place and a secluded retreat. It is available not only to travelers and HENRI house guests, but also to neighbors and residents of Cuxhaven, who can use the lounge and all its services from morning to night as part of the HENRI membership. Visitors can meet with friends in the large ‘living room’ of the quarter, enjoy drinks and snacks in the ‘Hausküche’, browse in the library, or use the co-working space for work or business meetings.

Other amenities at Country House HENRI Cuxhaven include the Gym & Spa and the ‘Hausküche’, which serves breakfast as well as self-service drinks and snacks throughout the day with payment relying on the honour principle. HENRI Cuxhaven also offers the ideal solution for families and long-term guests: room combinations consisting of ‘cabin rooms’ and a spacious XL studio with central seating area as well as suites with kitchenette and large living area are available.

The construction permit request for the renovation and utility conversion of Fischhallen V & VI has been submitted to the relevant government authorities in April 2024.

The renovation of Fish Hall IV is already in full swing. Offices are located on the upper floor and fish processing companies and restaurants are located in the basement. The long-term commitment of these tenants ensures that the maritime-commercial character of the AFH is maintained in the long term.

Strong partners join forces to realise new “Alter Fischereihafen” development

Norbert Plambeck, who acquired the harbor site at the end of 2016 through his Plambeck Holding, is pleased to be able to get started together with blueorange Development Partner GmbH, a subsidiary of Volksbank BRAWO, which joined the project as a co-shareholder of AFH GmbH at the end of 2022.

In addition to the funds provided by the shareholders, a bank consortium consisting of Weser-Elbe Sparkasse as consortium leader, Sparkasse Rotenburg Osterholz, Kreissparkasse Stade and Stadtsparkasse Cuxhaven is providing loan financing for the conversion of Fischhallen V and VI. In addition, Volksbank Stade-Cuxhaven has been heavily involved in the AFH project since its beginning. The federal state of Lower Saxony is contributing to the costs of renovating the quay wall as part of the joint task “Improvement of the regional economic structure”. The renovation of the old fishing net hall is supported by federal funds directed towards the culture and media sector. In addition, the hotel operator is receiving funding from the State of Lower Saxony and the Federal Government under the joint task ‘Individual Investment Promotion in the Accommodation Industry’.

Construction work to renovate the quay wall is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025. The possibility to construct the quay wall using a new type of thermally activated steel sheet piling wall ‘Energiespundwand’ is being investigated. This would be the first large heat exchanger of its kind and could provide heating and cooling for the entire AFH. Most of the energy required for this will come from solar panels on the roofs of the AFH.

Martin Pietsch, Managing Director of blueorange Development Partner GmbH, is enthusiastic: ‘This is just the beginning of a great development in Cuxhaven. The Old Fishing Harbor will now develop rapidly, attracting new groups of guests and providing new and interesting opportunities for the people of Cuxhaven. We are pleased to be able to contribute our cooperative know-how for project development and financing.’

Norbert Plambeck, Managing Partner of Plambeck Holding GmbH, thanks the majority group in the Cuxhaven City Council and all those who have supported the AFH project politically. He also thanks the administration of the City of Cuxhaven for the constructive cooperation and Niedersachsen Ports for the good and trusting collaboration. His special thanks go to the employees who all put their heart and soul into the development of the project.

About the ‘Alter Fischereihafen Cuxhaven’ (AFH)
The Old Fishing Port of Cuxhaven is a historic port area with great potential for development into a modern and attractive location in the heart of the city. The future is being created here in Cuxhaven on approximately seven hectares of former maritime industrial facilities. With the financing of the first major construction phase important redevelopment measures are being implemented to open up the port for new uses and increase the economic viability of the site.

About HENRI Hotels:
Vibrant hospitality and a cosmopolitan atmosphere create a familiar, universal feeling called HENRI. HENRI Hotel Hamburg Downtown was the first hotel of the brand to open in 2013. This was followed by openings in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Vienna. HENRI is now not only available in central city locations, but also in popular vacation destinations: In Seefeld and soon in Kitzbühel, the HENRI country houses welcome guests all year round.

The HENRI Hotels are characterized by the use of existing buildings and the design reference to the history of the property. Attention to detail gives each hotel its own personal HENRI touch. HENRI's mission is to make guests feel at home, as if they were at home with friends.

The Henri Hotels brand belongs to DSR Hotel Holding. DSR Hotel Holding is active as a hotel management company in Germany, Austria and Italy and as a lease-holder and operator of hotel projects. It is also a holding company for operator investments. As a subsidiary of DR Hospitality GmbH & Co. KG, it is a joint venture between DSR GmbH and DER Touristik Group as majority shareholder (part of REWE Group). The portfolio currently comprises 35 hotels, 16 of which are managed under three of the most well-known and prestigious hotel and resort brands in the German-speaking region: A-ROSA, aja and HENRI. The portfolio also includes two traditional individual hotels, Hotel NEPTUN and Hotel Louis C. Jacob, as well as four hotels of the Italian subsidiary Mira Hotels & Resorts.

For more information, please visit www.henri-hotels.com.

Media contacts:

AFH Alter Fischereihafen Cuxhaven GmbH
Präsident-Herwig-Str. 27
27472 Cuxhaven
info@afh-cuxhaven.de
www.afh-cuxhaven.de

Beilquadrat GmbH – Agentur für Identität und Identifikation
Königliches Proviantamt
Bahrenfelder Chaussee 49, Haus B
22761 Hamburg

Websites:

Photos:

FAQs:

1. What is the Henri Hotel project in Cuxhaven?
The Henri Hotel project involves converting the former fish market and processing halls (Fischhallen V and VI) in Cuxhaven’s historic “Alter Fischereihafen” (Old Fishing Port) into a HENRI Country House hotel, along with restaurants and retail outlets. The project aims to revitalize the area and is set to open in Summer 2026.

2. What is the investment for the Henri Hotel project?
The total investment for the first phase of the Henri Hotel project is around €100 million. This phase includes the renovation of Fish Halls IV, V, and VI, the quay wall, and the historic fishing net repair hall.

3. Who is the anchor tenant for the Henri Hotel project?
The anchor tenant for the Henri Hotel project is HENRI Hotel, a subsidiary of DSR Hotel Holding GmbH. They will develop a 145-room hotel with modern amenities while preserving the historic charm of the fish market halls.

4. What amenities will the Henri Hotel offer?
The Henri Hotel will feature a lounge, gym, spa, and self-service dining options. It will also offer room combinations suitable for families and long-term guests, including cabin rooms, spacious XL studios, and suites with kitchenettes.

5. What is the timeline for the renovation of the quay wall?
Construction work to renovate the quay wall is scheduled to begin in Fall 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The project is exploring innovative energy solutions, including solar panels and a thermally activated steel sheet piling wall for heating and cooling.

6. What are the goals of the Henri Hotel project in Cuxhaven?
The project aims to create a vibrant community hub and tourist attraction, preserving the maritime-commercial character of the area while introducing modern amenities. It also seeks to contribute to local tourism and provide new opportunities for the community.

7. Who are the partners and supporters of the Henri Hotel project?
The project is supported by a consortium of banks, the federal state of Lower Saxony, the Federal Government, and various other partners. Key partners include Plambeck Holding, blueorange Development Partner GmbH, and several banks providing loan financing.

8. How will the Henri Hotel project contribute to sustainability?
The Henri Hotel project aims to minimize environmental impact by using innovative energy solutions and reducing waste. The potential implementation of a thermally activated steel sheet piling wall for heating and cooling, along with the use of solar panels, reflects this commitment to sustainability.

9. What is the significance of the “Alter Fischereihafen” in Cuxhaven?
The “Alter Fischereihafen” (Old Fishing Port) in Cuxhaven is a historic port area with great potential for development. The revitalization project seeks to transform it into a modern and attractive location, boosting local tourism and economic viability.

10. What is the history and mission of HENRI Hotels?
HENRI Hotels, a brand under DSR Hotel Holding, is known for its vibrant hospitality and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The hotels are characterized by the use of existing buildings and design references to the history of the properties, creating a familiar, homely feeling for guests. The brand aims to combine tradition and modernity in an inspiring ambiance.

SOURCE: Alter Fischerei Hafen Cuxhaven / DSR Hotel Holding