Schramberg is about to sell the hospital: is there finally movement?

Schramberg is about to sell the hospital: is there finally movement?

There is news from Schramberg, as the sale of the former hospital site continues to drag on. After its closure 14 years ago, the city administration under Mayor Dorothee Eisenlohr was faced with the challenge of marketing the area several times - two previous attempts were unsuccessful. The third marketing attempt has currently been running since July 2024, which will take place as part of a tender for the award of the concept. But what about the progress? Following a request from the CDU parliamentary group, city planner Joschka Joos reported on the state of affairs at the last local council meeting.

Interest in the property is noticeable; several investors have submitted their offers, with one plan emerging as the favorite. The submission deadline for investors ended in September 2024. The city's usage concept focuses on living space, supplemented by non-disruptive commercial and catering areas. The possible integration of a hotel or similar uses is also under discussion. At the same time, the bidders are free to decide how to deal with the existing building – be it through demolition or shared use.

Progress and challenges

After intensive negotiations with a favored bidder since November 2024, the city administration is currently pausing discussions with other interested parties. However, this could change quickly if there are new developments. An important item on the to-do list is the revision of a valuation report from 2021, which needs to be adjusted due to changing market conditions. In addition, a report on potential economic risks, such as contaminated sites, was commissioned and should be available in a month. According to city planning officials, further discussions with planners, lawyers and authorities are also on the agenda.

The implementation of the project should be approached using the special 13a procedure, which takes 9 to 12 months. It should not be forgotten that costs of around 20,000 euros are expected for the required project-related development plan - an additional 10,000 euros for a species protection report. Given these conditions, the CDU is pushing for faster communication from the city administration, while information has been promised for the beginning of 2025.

Looking into the future

The area of ​​the former hospital is located in the “Bühlepark” redevelopment area, which also regulates sales to investors, developers or housing companies. The purchase price set is currently 1.8 million euros, although this could vary depending on future developments. A special focus on an eligible residential share shows that the city not only focuses on economic efficiency, but also wants to think in the interests of its citizens.

The situation in German hospitals is still worrying. According to current figures from PwC, many hospitals will have to invest intensively in their infrastructure in the next few years in order not to lose touch. A worn-out condition of many buildings and rising operating costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis have increased the challenges. It remains to be seen how the market in Schramberg will develop and whether the city can quickly implement its plans to create the urgently needed prospects.

It is clear to the citizens and the city administration in Schramberg: There is a lot of untapped potential here, and now it is important to make the right decisions and get a good deal for all parties.

Further information on the course of the negotiations and the next steps is expected for spring 2025.