The SPD is planning a large‑scale overhaul of its headquarters, the Willy‑Brandt House. Party secretary general Tim Klüssendorf confirmed the plans to “Der Spiegel”. “The aim is to create a modern working atmosphere – with plenty of room for creativity, communication and powerful campaigns” he said.
As part of the renovation, Klüssendorf will reconfigure the layout to suit new space requirements. The staff of the party board will be concentrated on the fourth, fifth and sixth floors of the building, he explained. The third floor, which will become available, is intended to be leased out, just as the first and second floors are currently. From the neighbouring Paul‑Singer House – also owned by an SPD company – employees will be moved back into the central office. Those areas will likewise be put up for rent.
Financial savings are not the primary concern for him. “We want the renovation to produce a modern working environment that matches a contemporary organization. The cost is secondary”. On the contrary, the party’s own property‑leasing company plans to invest a substantial amount in the project.
Work is scheduled to start on the fourth floor later this year. From that point on, everyone working in communications and external representation will collaborate on that floor. Short distances and quick decision‑making are the goal: “The fourth floor will become the heart of our campaign”. Afterward, the fifth and sixth floors will be renovated to house leadership, organisational development, administration and programmatic teams.
Klüssendorf acknowledged that some staff members have reservations. “Many younger employees want a modern workplace, but others have concerns” he said. He is taking these worries seriously and is in productive discussions with staff and the works council. “We are finding good solutions for different needs” the secretary general promised.
