City of Göttingen is fighting for last apartments in a problematic complex

City of Göttingen is fighting for last apartments in a problematic complex

In the Hagenweg 20 district of Göttingen, a former student residential complex has been employing the city administration for some time. The problem of this property, which has been the focus of the city since 2021, is complex and has caused remarkable developments. The complex is perceived by the city as a social focus, which is due to the unsustainable living conditions and the multitude of rental problems. Currently, 55 people still live in the building, which was originally designed for wealthy students in 1977.

The city of Göttingen has set itself the goal of buying all living space in the building in order to enable the renovation or even demolition of the dilapidated property. According to the current status, the city has 153 of the 165 apartments. The key date for the full acquisition is January 1, 2025. It is hoped that the remaining 12 apartments will soon also go into the possession of the city.

health and hygiene in focus

The problems in Hagenweg 20 are complex and affect, among other things, confusing ownership, hygiene defects, high crime and problems in the field of integration. The city of Göttingen is aware of the difficulties associated with these circumstances. The owners currently consider the building as an investment object, which often ignored the living conditions of the residents.

To help the tenants, experts in the field of social work under the direction of Thomas Maxellon are in contact with the residents. These actively support those affected in the search for new apartments and help with moves. In addition, measures were taken to combat pests in vacant apartments. By placing other parts of the city, such as Holters Berg and Weststadt, some residents have already been successfully relocated to new apartments without contaminated sites.

In addition, on November 8, 2023, the council of the city of Göttingen unanimously decided to acquire 119 other apartments in this complex. The focus is clearly on the renovation or new construction of the one and two room apartments offered. Although a private buyer has already received the contract for the 119 apartments, the contract is currently not yet effective. The city plans to discuss the possible reversal of the purchase contract in order to advance the plans for demolition and new construction, such as ndr.de reported.

The future of Hagenweg 20 remains exciting, while the city of Göttingen continues to try to improve the living conditions of the residents and to implement a long -term solution concept that meets both social and structural challenges of the complex. The problem has already triggered broad discussions in the city that will continue to focus.