Greifswald: Digital center in Alte Mensa collapsed – new plans!

Greifswald: Digital center in Alte Mensa collapsed – new plans!

In Greifswald there is a surprising change in the plans for the digital innovation center. The Alte Mensa, a listed building from the GDR era, will not be converted into a center for digital innovations. This is reported by the Northern Courier, according to which the city, the University of Greifswald and WITENO GmbH have decided to fundamentally revise their plans.

There was originally a building application for the old cafeteria, but this is now being canceled in order to instead strengthen the existing start-up centers BioTechnikum and Technologiezentrum (TZV). Those responsible are optimistic that the integration of the digital innovation center into these two locations can be implemented faster and more effectively. Monument preservation and the associated challenges are eliminated here, which is one of the main reasons for this change in strategy.

Financial framework conditions

The state government had budgeted millions in funding for the implementation of the innovation center, and despite the changes, these will continue to be made available. The funding is expected to remain at 17 million euros, while the equity capital remains the same. In 2021, the then Economics Minister Harry Glawe even spoke of 90 percent funding with an investment volume of around 30 million euros.

The managing director of WITENO, Florian Beuß, emphasizes that the BioTechnikum and the TZV, both over 30 years old, urgently need to be modernized. New areas are planned for modern conference rooms and demonstration opportunities, which will be of great importance for companies and start-ups. The city is all the more pleased that the new planning enables faster implementation.

The future of the old cafeteria

However, what exactly will happen to the old cafeteria is currently unclear. The university is currently examining possible usage concepts for the building, which was put into operation on January 9, 1976. In a year's time the day will mark its fiftieth anniversary, which could stimulate additional considerations for the design of the memorial.

In the meantime, the BITS & MATJES platform, dedicated to digital exchange, remains active. This series of events is intended to help advance digitalization in the region by supporting entrepreneurs and small medium-sized businesses with digital issues. Monthly meetings include technical input and social gatherings, which are also treated to culinary delights – fish sandwiches included WITENO is the partner for tailor-made solutions.

Thanks to funding from the German Foundation for Monument Protection, which is considered the largest private donor for the preservation of monuments in Germany, a wide range of support offers are available. Your Monument Academy offers workshops and seminars that deal with the latest monument preservation and provide valuable information for experts and interested parties Monument Academy.

The developments in Greifswald show that, despite the cancellation of the renovation plan in the old cafeteria, new approaches are being taken to make the region future-proof. The combination of digitalization and monument preservation could provide positive impulses here in the coming months.