Explosive real estate deal at the main train station: just trouble or a real solution?

Explosive real estate deal at the main train station: just trouble or a real solution?

The area around Hamburg Central Station has developed into a dangerous crime hotspot in recent years. Drug trafficking, thefts and violence characterize the district. Now a controversial real estate deal is causing heated discussions. The city plans to purchase a vacant building across the street from the Drob Inn, ostensibly to house homeless or refugees.

The political reactions to the planned purchase are violent. Dennis Thering from the CDU expressed outrage at the decision, particularly the idea of ​​bringing serious drug addicts and refugees together in close proximity. The opposition raises concerns about the area's longstanding neglect and the proposed measure's potential to exacerbate existing problems.

The deal has also met with criticism from business and local residents. A real estate developer expresses concern that the area already has the highest concentration of social facilities in Germany and another large social housing facility would only worsen the situation. Concerns about the high cost of renovation are also raised.

Despite the strong rejection from various stakeholders, the government factions are planning to press ahead with the property purchase. The Greens and the SPD fundamentally support the active purchase policy of publicly owned real estate, but they do not express any specific statements on the planned location of the purchase. The notary appointment is scheduled for the end of April and a purchase price of 19 million euros is speculated, although the building is said to be in poor condition.