Residents of the Hansenhaus are looking for new investors to combat gentrification

Residents of the Hansenhaus are looking for new investors to combat gentrification

If you describe current events in Hamburg's Schanzenviertel, the slogan "Concrete gold - oh no" is written in the window of a building that catches the eye with its crumbling facade. The neighborhood has changed rapidly in recent years and is now considered the epicenter of gentrification, particularly along Shoulder Blade Street. Here you can find historical boundary stones between Hamburg and Altona in the pavement, which are reminiscent of a time when everything was different. The autonomous center Rote Flora sits in the immediate vicinity and attracts numerous people who want to defy the new trend; But the big chains are increasingly putting pressure on the small, owner-managed shops.

The “Hansenhaus”, once owned by the old owner Mr. Hansen, is now a nucleus of the solidarity community. However, the residents who bought the building from him now face the challenge of finding new lenders for their projects. The purchase was made possible by the “Likedeelerei – Syndicate for Solidarity Living”, and the current owners are urgently looking for fresh money as existing loans are about to expire. Creative solutions are very popular - craftsmen are also in demand to cover the renovation costs.

The effects of gentrification

Gentrification is a phenomenon that not only affects Hamburg, but also many other cities in Germany. In Berlin, for example, rising rent prices are a recurring issue that is permanently changing the city's social structures. Here, as in Hamburg, long-time residents often experience painful displacement by new residents who bring different demands. Many long-established shops, such as Stüdemanns Teehandel or the Selekta Shop, are already threatened by franchise chains; a cultural transformation that brings with it social tensions.

The developments in Nuremberg, where a dispute over city calming measures in the Gostenhof district, also illustrate how difficult it is to find the balance between new design and the existing neighborhood. Here they are experimenting with “superblocks” to calm traffic and make the streets more lively. But even these measures do not come without challenges, especially for creative people who live in the affected areas.

Looking for solutions

The political response to these developments is often inconsistent. Plans to combat gentrification, such as rent controls or the creation of social housing, are showing mixed results. In Hamburg, a way is also being sought to find a balance between investor interest and the needs of local residents. Support is provided by district initiatives that advocate for the interests of residents and mobilize on social media.

The current change in the Schanzenviertel highlights the need for urban planning that is more local-oriented. Whether the future of the Hansenhaus remains in the form of a new building or the preservation of history ultimately depends on the community, which must continue to work for a solidarity-based housing project. The people in the Schanzenviertel, who not only want to defend their living environment but also their neighborhoods, still face many questions and challenges.