Saving the justice center: Munich parties fight for housing instead of speculation

Saving the justice center: Munich parties fight for housing instead of speculation

In Munich there is resistance to the planned sale of the old criminal justice center on Nymphenburger Straße. Several initiatives, including Speculated and Cancel Cancel, have launched a petition to stop the state government's sales plan. The Munich Tenants Association and the Munich Forum also support this call. The initiators of the petition are calling for the building complex in Maxvorstadt not to be sold to private investors or to be demolished, but instead to create affordable living space and to enable “innovative, community-oriented subsequent use” of the area. “We want citizens to be included in the decision-making processes,” says Florina Vilgertshofer from the Munich Forum.

The planned closure of the justice center and the possible demolition of the existing building from the 1970s raise questions. Next year the justice center will move to a new building on Leonrodplatz, increasing uncertainty about the future of the old location. The “JustizzentrumErhalten” initiative, which was founded in October 2022, has set itself the task of presenting new uses for the existing building. She is committed to ensuring that the building is not just seen as obsolete, but can fulfill new functions that benefit the community.

Affordable housing in focus

The Free State of Bavaria is currently examining options for use that should offer a maximum of affordable living space in new buildings or through renovations. An open call was launched to collect ideas and visions for the future of the existing building. We are looking for creative suggestions ranging from hand drawings to video works. “We want to show the variety of possible uses,” explains a spokesman for the initiative. The competition is judged by a qualified jury from various disciplines, and a total of 5,000 euros in prize money is available.

Of course, the topic of urban development is not discussed without reason. Again dba construction reports, urban development is a comprehensive process that includes the planning, design and growth of cities. Sustainable concepts play an important role, especially with regard to social housing! Creating green spaces and promoting public transport are some of the approaches that ensure that quality of life and environmental awareness go hand in hand.

From petition to participation

“We demand more transparency from the Bavarian Ministry of Construction,” says the initiative. Critics complain that the feasibility study on the justice center was commissioned but has not yet been published. Is there really transparent and citizen-oriented planning for urban development? This remains to be seen. Everywhere in Germany we see how crucial citizen participation is for successful urban development. Actions like the one here in Munich show that citizens do not want to leave the design of their city to chance.

In conclusion, the coming months will be crucial for the future of the old criminal justice center. While major changes are emerging in the city, the question remains: what direction will Munich take? In any case, the initiatives are firmly determined to work for a livable, communal Munich.