Wealthy tycoon Plattner bestows immense generosity upon Potsdam.
Let's Talk About Potsdam's Landmark Redevelopment!
Gearing up for a groundbreaking announcement, software titan Hasso Plattner (81, SAP) is on a mission to breathe new life into Potsdam's colossal, deserted state parliament building. Brandenburg's government can hardly contain their excitement!
An urgently called press conference on Monday afternoon promises some exciting revelations from Hasso Plattner, Minister President Dietmar Woidke (SPD), University President Oliver Günther, and half the state government. But what exactly is in store? The cat's still in the bag, but B.Z. leaks hint at a mind-blowing gift from SAP founder Plattner to Brandenburg.
After 12 long, empty years, billionaire Plattner eyes renovating the deteriorated former Brandenburg state parliament building atop the Brauhausberg, overlooking the city center. Following the parliament's move to the glamourous Stadtschloss on the Alter Markt, the former Reichskriegsschule fell into disrepair. In 2023, the grand plenary hall bit the dust in a fire.
A quick recap reveals the building's chequered past: Finance Minister Christian Görke (Left) sold it to the Berlin real estate firm Sanus in 2015. Gregor Gysi brokered the deal. Initially, plans for 200 luxury apartments, commercial spaces, and a hotel commanded the headlines. But Sanus failed to make good on their investment commitment. At first, they sheltered refugees in the aging building, then came a spell of vacancy. Finally, in 2025, the state reclaimed the property.
Plattner's generosity extends beyond the city walls, with sizable contributions to the world-famous software institute HPI, the popular Barberini and Minsk museums, and the historic facade of the new state parliament palace. The Berlin-born entrepreneur is Potsdam's most prolific benefactor, ensconced in the Churchill Villa on the Griebnitzsee. His foundation takes pride of place in the former "Villa Wunderkind" of Wolfgang Joop (80).
Rumors swirl around Plattner's colossal gift
According to B.Z. whispers, Plattner's generosity knows no bounds: he's planning to revamp antiquated university buildings at the Golm and Griebnitzsee campuses, and expand HPI, his software institute. In academic circles, they speak of investments in the billions. Money that Brandenburg currently struggles to scrape together, with the state needing to shoulder an additional two billion in debt.
Stay tuned for Monday's conference, as Woidke, Plattner, and Günther are set to spill the beans!
In light of the upcoming press conference, it appears that Hasso Plattner is planning to utilize his resources to revitalize not only Potsdam's state parliment building but also antiquated university buildings at the Golm and Griebnitzsee campuses. This potential investment, if confirmed, could potentially revolutionize education-and-self-development and business opportunities in the region. The financial implications of such generosity could significantly contribute to Brandenburg's efforts to manage its debt, as they currently struggle to scrape together the necessary funds.
