Hamburg, July 27 – Hamburg’s Bürgerschaft members have largely completed their move into the new ‘House of the Bürgerschaft,’ located directly next to the city hall. The new building will serve as the central workplace for the 121 members of parliament and their staff, bringing all factions together under one roof for the first time in decades.
Relocation During Summer Break
The Bürgerschaft Chancellery and the parliamentary groups are utilizing the summer break for the relocation. The SPD, CDU, Greens, and Left parties have already moved in, with the AfD expected to follow shortly. By the end of the summer holidays, all 270 employees will have transitioned to the new location on Alter Wall.
Previously, the factions were spread across six different office floors at four locations in the city center. The new building consolidates these operations, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. The new location is a mere two-minute walk from the city hall, where the parliament’s presidium and faction leaders will retain their offices, as the city hall does not have sufficient space to accommodate everyone.
A Modern Workspace with Public Access Limited to Foyer
The modern new office building between Rathausfleet and Alter Wall is primarily designed as a workplace. Public access is limited to the foyer, where an information point about parliamentary work is planned to be established. This setup aims to maintain a focused work environment while still offering a point of contact for the public.
Increased Rental Costs
The new ‘House of the Bürgerschaft’ comes with significantly higher rental costs. The monthly rent for the new premises will be approximately 360,000 Euros, which is double the cost of the previous scattered locations. This decision to rent a new office building was unanimously approved by the Bürgerschaft in November 2022.
Background: The History of Hamburg’s Parliament
The history of the Hamburgische Bürgerschaft dates back to the 15th century, and it has undergone numerous changes over the centuries. For instance, the voting age was lowered in 2013, reflecting ongoing adaptations to modern political landscapes. The consolidation of all factions into a single building marks another significant chapter in its evolution.
Further News from Hamburg
In other local news, the redevelopment of the Beiersdorf site is underway, with plans for 850 new apartments. However, some residents are concerned about potential overcrowding and a shortage of living and parking space in Eimsbüttel. Following an attack in Berlin, police presence has been increased at the Hamburg CSD, although there are no specific threats to the event. Additionally, Hamburg MP Hoppermann has been elected as the new CDU Secretary General, succeeding Carsten Linnemann. The planned budget cuts for the Reeperbahn Festival have also drawn criticism, with State Minister Weimer calling for a fair distribution of funding.
Source: NDR.de
