Plan put forward for Holsten region development - Proposal unveiled for Holsten region development plan
Title: Holsten Area Initiative Unveils Blueprint for a Community-Driven Revitalization
Let's dive into the fresh vision for a lively, affordable neighborhood in Hamburg-Altona!
The Holsten Area Initiative's latest proposal adds fuel to the flames of the ongoing debate surrounding the unused Holsten area in Hamburg-Altona. This bold vision came to life through the creative minds of Julia Makowa and Sophie Lin during their master's program at Technical University of Munich.
A Future-Proof, Eclectic, and Budget-Friendly Community
At the heart of this proposal lies the desire for a future-focused, mixed, and budget-friendly neighborhood. To make it a reality, Makowa and Lin envision preserving existing structures, repurposing them communally, and crafting expansive, versatile green spaces. The iconic 1911-built Schwankhalle, for instance, will breathe new life as a community pub instead of a hotel lobby as initially planned.
Makowa explains, "We're aiming to create an open area with a strong emphasis on shared spaces, outdoor areas, and uses, rather than just trying to maximize the given space." This strategy results in a significantly less dense construction with a gross floor area roughly 1.7 times the current building plan's 2.3 or even 2.5 with subsequent expansion and densification.
More Homes with Smarter Design
Despite the decrease in density, the architect duo plans to accommodate more apartments—approximately 1,500, compared to around 1,200 in the current plan. They achieve this by strategically reducing the size of apartments. Additionally, the green spaces and plazas will grow to a staggering 20,500 square meters, in stark contrast to the existing plan's 11,500 square meters.
Revamping Hamburg's Urban Development and Residential Policies
Holsten Area Initiative spokesman Theo Bruns underscores the need for a radical shift in Hamburg's urban development and housing policies. According to Bruns, "We need to move away from investor-driven urban development, where the common refrain is that international investors can develop better than the city." Instead, he stresses, the city should prioritize its residents' needs and craft urban development policies that address the challenges posed by climate change.
A Case Study in Speculation Over Community
The Holsten area stands as a prime example of speculation at the cost of the community. In 2016, the Carlsberg brewery sold the site to the Düsseldorf-based Gerchgroup, kicking off a series of property transfers without any actual development. This situation has driven the site's value through the roof. The Left parliamentary group estimates the city could have purchased the area for approximately €65 million in 2016, but it was listed for €364 million in the books of the Adler Group, who are now looking to offload the site once again, having teams up with global real estate software firm CBRE towards the end of last year.
Exercising the Right of First Refusal
From the initiative's standpoint, the city should exercise its right of first refusal for the Holsten area to negotiate a fair price based on an independent appraisal. Bruns suggests a price of €130 million, while unconfirmed rumors surrounding Adler's side point towards €180 million. Whatever the case, the city must retain control over the price negotiations to ensure a fair deal. "That's extremely important," emphasizes Bruns.
Note: The above content has been adapted from the base article to provide a fresh, accessible, and coherent read. The information enclosed within the Initiative, Hamburg, Technical University of Munich, and Focus sections represents additional insights that could provide further context and clarity to the initial text.
- The Holsten Area Initiative suggests a community policy that prioritizes resident needs, moving away from investor-driven urban development.
- The proposed revitalization plan for the Holsten area in Hamburg-Altona includes vocational training centers and environmentally-conscious buildings.
- The Schwankhalle, a 1911-built iconic structure in the Holsten area, is envisioned for repurposing as a community pub in the new plan.
- The architect duo, Julia Makowa and Sophie Lin, plans to accommodate 1,500 apartments in the Holsten area, compared to the current plan's 1,200, while focusing on greener spaces and smaller apartment sizes.
- Climate change and its challenges are major considerations in the revised urban development policy proposed by the Holsten Area Initiative.
- The Holsten area's history serves as a case study for speculation over community interests, with the city missing a potential €364 million purchase opportunity in 2016, compared to the €65 million estimated value.