Hamburg, April 25 – The city of Hamburg is reportedly spending approximately two million euros annually on rental costs for properties that are either partially or entirely unused. This revelation comes from responses to a written inquiry by the CDU parliamentary group in the Bürgerschaft.
Significant Unused Spaces Identified
Among the most prominent examples is a 9,220 square meter area near the Laeiszhalle, specifically in the Johannes-Brahms-Platz/Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße vicinity, which stands vacant. The Department of Justice initially rented this space, citing a perceived need, as detailed in the Senate’s response. Another instance involves 721 square meters in Billstraße, rented by the Department of the Interior with the intention of expanding a technical center. Both these rental agreements are set to expire by the end of this year, despite the spaces ultimately not being required.
CDU Demands Detailed Breakdown of Costs
The duration of contracts for other unused spaces remains unclear. The CDU has sharply criticized this situation, highlighting that millions of euros are being spent year after year without any concrete benefit from these properties. The party is now demanding that the Senate publicly disclose a detailed breakdown of all vacant properties, including how long they have been unused and the associated costs.
Senate Defends Its Practices
In response to the criticism, the Senate stated that when new spaces are required by authorities, the first step is to assess whether existing city-owned properties can accommodate the need. Furthermore, new rental agreements are reportedly evaluated for their economic viability. This defense comes amidst broader discussions about public spending and efficiency.
This issue arises as the city also prepares for significant changes in its administrative infrastructure. For instance, the Bürgerschaft parliamentary groups, currently spread across six different locations, are set to move into the new “Haus der Bürgerschaft” after the summer recess, consolidating their operations.
Past Criticisms of Public Spending
This is not the first time Hamburg’s public spending has come under scrutiny. The Association of Taxpayers (Bund der Steuerzahler) has previously criticized expenditures in its “Schwarzbuch” (Black Book), citing ten cases of alleged wasteful spending in Hamburg. These included costs related to a youth detention center, the winter quarters for swans, and cycle paths along the Elbchaussee, indicating a recurring pattern of concerns regarding financial management within the city.
The current situation with unused rental properties adds another layer to these ongoing discussions, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability in how public funds are managed in Hamburg. The CDU’s demand for a detailed public listing of these costs suggests a push for more rigorous oversight and potentially a re-evaluation of current rental policies to prevent future wasteful expenditures.
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/hamburg-zwei-millionen-euro-jahresmiete-fuer-ungenutzte-flaechen,mietflaechen-100.html
