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Underwood barracks in Hanau: Bundeswehr conversion stopped!
The Defense Ministry's decision to convert former Bundeswehr properties in Hanau affects the Underwood barracks.
Underwood barracks in Hanau: Bundeswehr conversion stopped!
In a surprising twist, the Defense Ministry has decided to halt the conversion of 200 military properties to civilian use. This affects, among other things, the former Underwood barracks in Hanau-Großauheim, which currently serves as accommodation for Ukrainian war refugees. According to op online This area with an area of 6.1 hectares was originally intended for civilian use.
The background to this decision is the changed security needs in Europe as a result of the Ukraine war. After decades of shrinking, the Bundeswehr is becoming louder daily news grow again, which results in an increased need for locations. The city of Hanau, which has not housed any military units since the last US forces withdrew in 2008, has so far converted around a dozen barracks sites, totaling around 340 hectares.
A good hand for the future
Mayor Claus Kaminsky shows understanding for the Defense Ministry's decision. It is important to the city that the use of the former barracks for refugees is not impaired, while at the same time clarity about the location must be created in the long term. The exchange with the Federal Real Estate Agency (BImA) and the ministry continues.
As part of this strategy, the conversion of other properties was also stopped. A total of 187 former military sites are affected by the decision, which are currently owned by the BImA and are suitable for the Bundeswehr. In addition, 13 other properties that the Bundeswehr is currently using are not intended for civilian use. Some of these areas will be allocated to a “strategic real estate reserve” so that they are available to the Bundeswehr at short notice.
Review and outlook
The process of converting military properties into civilian use began in the early 1990s after the end of the Cold War. This process has continued since compulsory military service was suspended in 2011, leading to the creation of living space on former barracks sites in many places.
The decision that has now been made comes at a time when the need for secure locations for the Bundeswehr in Europe is increasing. The challenges arising from the changed security situation could lead to new prospects for military locations not only in Hanau, but also elsewhere in Germany.