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Hamburg’s finance authority is planning to sell large school properties to fund further school expansion, according to information from NDR Hamburg. This move comes despite the fact that selling municipal properties has been considered taboo for years in the city.
Finance Senator Andreas Dressel Reverses Stance on Property Sales
Finance Senator Andreas Dressel (SPD) had previously criticized CDU senates for selling municipal properties. However, Dressel now intends to sell school properties worth €194 million by 2030. These sales are expected to generate funds for the city’s school construction program, which faces significant financial challenges in the coming years.
School Communities and Parliament Must Approve Sales
The finance authority expects that these properties will be sold and developed for residential use, including housing for trainees. The approval of the school communities is crucial for these sales to proceed. Additionally, the Hamburg Parliament must approve the sales, as a citizens’ initiative has restricted the sale of municipal land. The authority sees “considerable square meter potential” in these properties.
CDU Criticizes Plan as Short-Sighted
CDU finance politician Thilo Kleibauer estimates that the planned proceeds of €194 million correspond to approximately 170,000 square meters, or nearly two percent of all school areas. He criticized the plan, stating, “To plug short-term holes in the budget, the Finance Senator is now starting to sell large amounts of school land. This is questionable, especially as the Senate otherwise prides itself on its land policy.”
Background: Hamburg Faces Growing Student Numbers
The new school year in Hamburg has seen an increase in student numbers and teachers. However, due to cost-cutting measures, class sizes are expected to increase. Hamburg plans to invest an additional €500 million in educational construction, with most of these funds coming from the federal government’s special fund for infrastructure and climate neutrality.
Previous Investments and Future Outlook
This development follows a period of significant investment in Hamburg’s educational infrastructure. The city has seen a surge in student numbers, reaching levels not seen in 45 years. The planned sale of school properties is a direct response to the financial pressures of maintaining and expanding this infrastructure.
Impact on the City and Residents
The sale of school properties for residential use, particularly for trainee housing, could address some of Hamburg’s housing needs. However, the long-term implications of reducing school land for financial gain remain a subject of debate among politicians and citizens.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/um-schulausbau-zu-bezahlen-hamburg-will-schulgrundstuecke-verkaufen,schulgrundstuecke-100.html
