Bundeswehr plans buyback in Holtenau – What does that mean for Kiel?

Bundeswehr plans buyback in Holtenau – What does that mean for Kiel?

There's a lot going on in Kiel at the moment! The Bundeswehr is planning to buy back the area of ​​​​Naval Aviation Squadron 5 in Holtenau, which is causing a lot of excitement in politics and business. This step is all the more surprising since the site was only acquired in 2020 for a whopping 30 million euros. At the time, Mayor Ulf Kampf (SPD) had high hopes for the development of the area, which was to consist of almost 2,000 residential and commercial units. Now the question is what happens next!

Kaempfer is determined to act as an administrator for Kiel's long-term development prospects. His appeal to the Bundeswehr and the Ministry of Defense: conduct fair negotiations in order to take the city's interests into account and not just see Holtenau-Ost as an alternative location. Finally, there are also other areas in Kiel, such as the former Max Rubner Institute and the Belvedere Barracks, that could be attractive to the military.

A project with major consequences

The Kiel Chamber of Commerce and Industry certainly understands the security policy situation, but sees Holtenau-Ost as a central part of an urban development project of enormous importance. The uncertainty about the use of the area is causing headaches for many companies and investors. Those responsible in the Kiel business association are therefore calling for an immediate perspective for replacement space. The owners' association Haus & Grund Kiel is also in favor of a combination of military and urban use.

The area on the former “underland” of the naval air base has a lot of potential: over 100 buildings and bunkers as well as a railway siding make the area an attractive location for many projects. The Bundeswehr is planning loudly NDR an expansion of their naval base and sees Holtenau as a suitable location. These measures could initiate the largest urban development project in Schleswig-Holstein, which is also taken into account in the city of Kiel's plans.

A look into the future

The mayor remains optimistic and open to talks with the Bundeswehr. These discussions should be conducted in an open-ended manner with the aim of finding a solution that takes into account both the city's housing needs and the needs of the Bundeswehr. The aim is to conclude the negotiations by the end of the year, so that clarity can be created about the future use of the site.

In order to strengthen the security situation in the north, Joachim Krause from the University of Kiel is also calling for air defense and naval capabilities to be strengthened. Another aspect that should not be underestimated in the discussions between the city and the Bundeswehr.

The citizens of Kiel can be curious to see how the situation will develop. There are many interests at stake, and the next few months could be crucial for the future of Holtenau and all of Kiel. The course is now being set!