Real Estate Acquisition of Bundesbank's Buildings
The Musikhochschule Lübeck (Music Academy Lübeck) is making significant strides in its efforts to expand its facilities, with plans to acquire and repurpose former federal bank buildings near the Holstentor, a historically prominent gate in Lübeck’s old town.
These buildings, which were officially closed at the end of 2023, will provide additional space for teaching, practice rooms, and events, aligning with the academy’s goal of enhancing its infrastructure to better support students and public cultural activities. The sale of the buildings to the Kiel Ministry of Culture and Science for 4.75 million euros was decided on August 6th.
The acquisition, however, is subject to the approval of the state parliament, scheduled for a meeting at the end of September. Jasper Balke, a key figure in the decision-making process, expresses confidence that the parliament will agree to the acquisition, given the Music Academy’s significance as a flagship of Schleswig-Holstein.
The former federal bank buildings, along with those in the Große Petersgrube and the Holstentorhalle, could form a "great ensemble" for music education. Around 4,000 square meters of the missing 3,000 square meters for the Music Academy can be covered by the former federal bank buildings, providing much-needed space for rehearsal, concert, and teaching rooms.
The academy, with its 450 students and 170 lecturers, also requires additional offices and storage rooms. The buildings are to be handed over to the Music Academy Lübeck, but a large safe located in the old building will not be removed.
It is worth noting that the city administration is still a potential buyer, aiming to house its building management and parts of the ethnological collection there. If the city does not acquire the buildings, the 3.6 million euros allocated for the purchase will be used to strengthen the equity capital of the municipal real estate company "Trave".
Renovation is needed for both the new and old buildings of the former federal bank at the Holstentor. The state government has commissioned a company to check the exact scope of the renovations. The use of the former federal bank buildings is restricted to municipal administration, museums, and universities, with hotels excluded.
For authoritative and detailed updates, consulting the official website of the Musikhochschule Lübeck or municipal press releases from Lübeck or Schleswig-Holstein authorities would be recommended.
