Darmstadt is planning a leasehold agreement for 50 years – the rooms are to be used by, among others, women's associations and the church community
The City of Darmstadt, a center of science and research, intends to take over a large portion of the existing community center belonging to the Protestant St. Andrew's Parish. A 50-year leasehold agreement. The city council has tasked the administration with preparing the next steps and the contractual details. A final takeover has not yet taken place. City of Darmstadt
The property lies east of Heidelberger Straße and north of the cycling track. The apartment and parish office in the eastern section will remain with the St. Andrew's parish. The remaining portion of the property will first be surveyed and then transferred to the city under a long-term lease. According to the city, the reason for this is that the Protestant church no longer sees any use for this part of the community center. Darmstadt, City of Science
Approximately €150,000 is estimated for initial work
The planned takeover involves investments and structural risks. Among other things, water damage has been identified. Furthermore, the heating system for the rooms to be used by the city is located on the part of the property that is to remain with the church. The use of this heating system would therefore need to be contractually regulated. Due to the building's age, the city also anticipates further renovation work will be necessary in the coming years. Darmstadt, City of Science
The city of Darmstadt has budgeted approximately €100,000 net for the renewal and repair of infrastructure including lighting, electrical distribution panels, emergency lighting, sockets, and lightning protection . Including a risk surcharge, the city currently anticipates costs of around €150,000 net .
City treasurer André Schellenberg therefore points to the financial and construction risks. He explained that the impacts must be presented transparently and the necessary contractual arrangements secured.
Women's associations are to receive new premises
The plan is to house two women's associations in the community center. They will be moving out of their current premises in the Kyritz School, as these will be needed for school purposes in the future. According to Barbara Akdeniz, Head of Social and Women's Affairs, this will ensure that a women's center remains available. City of Darmstadt
The St. Andrew's parish will also be able to continue using the building. Two of the seven rooms, the parish hall, the courtyard, and a share of two basement rooms are designated for parish activities. Use of the building for church services and church, diaconal, and ecumenical events will generally be free of charge. The church's right of use will be secured by an easement registered in the land register. City of Darmstadt
Up to 30 pre-scheduled church services per year in the community hall should have priority. For all other dates, the city's legitimate interest in using the hall should generally take precedence. The city would be responsible for traffic safety in the part of the building it has taken over. Darmstadt, City of Science
Mayor Hanno Benz sees the planned takeover as an opportunity to preserve the existing site for social and community uses and to provide space for clubs and associations.
With the city council's decision, negotiations and the drafting of the contracts can now continue.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/ho)
