Heidelberg is fighting for a model district: the future of Patrick Henry Village is uncertain!

Heidelberg is fighting for a model district: the future of Patrick Henry Village is uncertain!

The city of Heidelberg is facing an exciting challenge: the conversion of the former military site Patrick-Henry-Village (PHV) into a modern and sustainable residential and working area could soon come to a standstill. The area where US soldiers used to live extends over an impressive 100 hectares. In the future, it will serve as a model neighborhood for affordable and climate-friendly living, like this taz reported.

Heidelberg planned to develop the PHV as the 16th district with a dynamic master plan and the support of the International Building Exhibition (IBA). Around 10,000 apartments are planned, 500 of which are to be completed by 2026. An open space concept with natural areas and a “green heart” as a center with a park characterize the vision for the “knowledge city of the future”, as the official Heidelberg website says reveals.

Challenges caused by the moratorium

But the plans could be disrupted by a moratorium from the Ministry of Defense. Due to the Bundeswehr's increasing space requirements, the conversion of the site may be put on hold. “We have to secure the infrastructural needs of the armed forces,” emphasizes State Secretary Nils Hilmer. This not only affects the PHV, but also other important areas such as the Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base and parts of the former Tegel Airport in Berlin.

The city of Heidelberg has been negotiating the purchase of the site with the Federal Real Estate Agency (BImA) for a long time. However, these negotiations were complicated by technical issues and the use of 40 hectares for an arrival center for refugees. According to the Federal real estate The development of conversion areas in Germany, which make up around seven percent of the inner-city area, is often hampered by such challenges.

The way into the future

However, the plans for Patrick Henry Village go beyond just housing. The vision includes a mix of existing and new buildings, innovative mobility concepts and a well-thought-out energy concept that relies on local photovoltaics and a modern district heating network. “We would like to stick to our plans and continue the dialogue with the Ministry of Defense,” emphasizes the city administration. All implementations should also take into account the needs of local residents in order to ensure a high quality of life.

The project is supported by the state government with 3.5 million euros and promises to promote self-sufficiency among citizens through urban gardening projects. Environmentally friendly water management and the promotion of sustainable mobility are also central components of the plan. The Heidelberg city administration hopes to be able to stick to its vision despite the challenges posed by the current security situation in Europe.