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Future for Altenwalde: Former barracks are to be reactivated for military purposes!
The former barracks in Altenwalde is being examined for possible reactivation for military purposes in order to strengthen Germany's defense capability.
Future for Altenwalde: Former barracks are to be reactivated for military purposes!
In Altenwalde, where the Hinrich Wilhelm Kopf barracks once dominated events, something is stirring. Today, November 4, 2025, the plans to reactivate this former military property are becoming more concrete. The goal? To sustainably increase Germany's defense capability. As the AZ Online reports, the Ministry of Defense has stopped the conversion of 187 former Bundeswehr properties for civilian purposes and stopped the sales efforts of the Federal Real Estate Agency (BImA). Instead, the former barracks in Altenwalde are now being checked for possible military use.
The strategic location of Altenwalde, close to the Nordholz air base and with an existing military infrastructure, plays a crucial role. Mayor Uwe Santjer sees this project as an opportunity for the city of Cuxhaven. He expects an increase of several hundred soldiers and civilians, which in turn poses new challenges to the local housing shortage and school capacity.
Acceptance among the population
But it's not just the city administration that is open-minded. The local mayor Ingo Grahmann also reports broad acceptance among the population and increasing interest from business owners. The mood here seems to be right, which is not a given in times like these. CDU member of the Bundestag Christoph Frauenpreiß strongly supports the plans and sees not only military but also economic advantages for the region.
Although the Bundeswehr's specific plans for the site are currently unclear, the latest anti-drone exercise in the area is seen as an indication of possible military activity. So there are not only glimpses into the future, but also the first steps into how reactivation could bring life back to a former military site.
Reactivation could therefore bring both opportunities and challenges. The city of Cuxhaven and Altenwalde are at the beginning of an exciting chapter that offers both new perspectives and challenging tasks for the local community. But as always: There is something to be done and if you have a good hand you can achieve a lot.