Kiel facing a choice: naval expansion or housing construction for 2,000 families?

Kiel facing a choice: naval expansion or housing construction for 2,000 families?

What's happening in Kiel? The Bundeswehr has big plans for the naval base in the state capital. The focus is on the former site of Naval Aviation Squadron 5 (MFG-5) in the Holtenau district. Not only could the military presence be expanded there, but an important urban development project could also be pushed forward. According to NDR it is planned to begin talks between the city and the Ministry of Defense after the summer break.

The city of Kiel already has extensive plans for the MFG-5 site, which provide for more than 2,000 apartments and modern commercial space. Mayor Ulf Kampf (SPD) emphasizes the importance of this project and is still open to discussions with the Bundeswehr. It is now important to find a solution that meets both the needs of the housing market and the security policy requirements.

Urban development and economic prospects

But the expansion of the naval base is not only of military relevance. The city plans to sign the purchase agreements for the MFG-5 site this year. This was described by UV Kiel as an important milestone for Kiel as a business location. It remains questionable how the necessary renovation of the site will be financed, which represents a challenge due to contaminated soil. A contribution by the state government to the renovation costs could offer a solution here.

The expansion of the naval site would fit ideally into the city's plans, as the site's location benefits from first-class infrastructure with road, rail, water and airport connections. This could also lead to a strengthening of the economy and the creation of new jobs.

Political voices and concerns

Kiel politics is divided over the return of the Navy to the MFG-5 site. The SPD council group supports the dialogue with the Bundeswehr and is looking for solutions that combine the military and urban development. The Greens, on the other hand, demand that both sides be taken into account without pitting housing against security. The CDU welcomes the Bundeswehr's plans and also sees alternatives for further housing construction in Suchsdorf-West. In contrast, the faction of “The Left/The Party” opposes the Marine plans and emphasizes the urgency of affordable housing.

Finally, the German Navy recently confirmed a major order to the Kiel shipbuilder TKMS to modernize six submarines. This illustrates how important Kiel remains as a location for the Bundeswehr in the current security policy situation. According to Kieler Leben, strengthening air defense and other maritime capabilities in the north is urgently needed.