Bundeswehr return: What will become of Neumünster's barracks?

Bundeswehr return: What will become of Neumünster's barracks?

In Neumünster and Boostedt there is movement in the discussion about the return of the Bundeswehr. The federal government's plans include buying back the former MFG-5 site in Holtenau in order to accommodate soldiers there. In addition, it was intended to create 2,200 apartments on this site in Kiel as well as areas for businesses and daycare centers, including local recreation areas. But the imminent return of the Bundeswehr could thwart these plans kn online reported.

The case in Neumünster sheds light on the former Bundeswehr properties in the region. The Hindenburg barracks, which closed in 2003, was the last of three in Neumünster. Although part of the area still belongs to the federal government, only some areas along Färberstrasse and Schubertstrasse remain unused. Further developments are already underway: In February 2025, several buildings for customs and THW were demolished. It is planned to build an operations and training center by the General Customs Directorate by mid-2028. The city of Neumünster built a hazard prevention center on the site in 2014.

Further developments in the region

The Scholtz barracks, which was closed in 1997, is also a topic of conversation. The city originally wanted to purchase the barracks here, but the deal fell through. Instead, the state of Schleswig-Holstein opened an initial reception for refugees in the same year. Both the technical area, which the city acquired in 2013, and the demolition work in 2019 are in the context of a new development plan that is intended to create 400 new housing units.

Not to be forgotten is the Sick barracks, which closed in 1994. Its historic buildings have been preserved and now house a retirement home as well as facilities for assisted living and day care. Here too, the city has plans to build a family center with a daycare center.

Then there is the former Rantzau barracks in Boostedt, which was the largest Bundeswehr location in Schleswig-Holstein until 2015. Mayor Hartmut König (CDU) is in favor of a possible return of the Bundeswehr here, while the Ministry of Defense is currently examining properties nationwide - but concrete information about the Rantzau barracks is still pending. Part of the barracks is currently used as an initial reception facility for refugees, but this is expected to be relocated in the medium term. In addition, parts of the old buildings have already been demolished and an intermunicipal commercial area is in operation.

Review of the nationwide situation

The return of the Bundeswehr is part of a larger trend. How Bundeswehr Journal reported, the Federal Ministry of Defense has responded to the changes in the security situation and revised the original closure plans. After a realignment of the Bundeswehr, which now also takes national and alliance defense into account, eleven military locations remain active, including some in Schleswig-Holstein. The originally planned reductions to 264 locations will therefore not be fully implemented.

In view of these developments, it remains to be seen how the plans for the return of the Bundeswehr will specifically affect the former properties in Neumünster and Boostedt. The mix of housing, military use and social infrastructure could open a new chapter for the region.