Green Opponents Rule Out Residential Developments at Tempelhofer Feld
Berlin's Tempelhofer Feld, a significant public open space and a historic site, remains under debate regarding its future development. The field, known for its Luftschloss stage and offerings for children, has been protected from construction since a 2014 referendum [1].
The ongoing public debate stems from the 2014 referendum, where Berliners rejected plans for construction at the old airport site. Despite political pressure from groups like the CDU and SPD to revisit the ban due to the city's acute housing shortage, many oppose development to preserve the open space [1][2].
Berlin's Mayor, Kai Wegner, has proposed a new public consultation in 2026 to gauge current residents’ opinions, reflecting the evolving attitudes driven by the city's housing crisis [1]. However, financial and structural challenges limit immediate new building on the former airport buildings [2].
In the meantime, Tempelhof district has seen various other housing projects and new construction nearby, but not on the protected airport fields themselves. The Green politician has suggested focusing on building where it's possible, rather than debating the development of the Tempelhofer Field [1].
The Tempelhofer Field offers spaces for sports and recreation, including kitesurfing, grilling, theater courses, and Nordic walking. After hot summer days, the field cools Berlin at night, requiring the preservation of meadows for this purpose. The field is also a green space in the city that is a place of great biodiversity [1].
The Luftschloss stage has been utilised for various events, making it a valuable asset for the city. The Green Party faction leader, Werner Graf, has suggested discussing how to regularly use the existing halls and the square for large concerts [1].
Graf has expressed support for the preservation of the Tempelhofer Field's existing halls and square for large concerts, citing its potential as a climate-neutral venue. He attended a doctor's concert at the Tempelhofer Field and found it to be great [1].
The Tempelhofer Field's development needs to go quickly into planning, according to Kai Wegner, but the Green politician has accused the ruling coalition of engaging in unnecessary debates about the possible development of the Tempelhofer Field [1].
Graf has also stated that even if the CDU and SPD were to build on the Tempelhofer Field, it wouldn't create affordable housing. He criticises Berlin's implementation problem rather than a land problem [1].
The Senate is not achieving its new building goals in projects such as the Schumacher Quarter in Tegel, Molkenmarkt in Mitte, and Goods Station in Köpenick [1]. The balancing act between housing needs and preserving unique urban green spaces in Berlin continues, with the Tempelhofer Feld development exemplifying this challenge.
References: [1] Berliner Zeitung, 2023. [2] Tagesspiegel, 2023.
- The debate over the Tempelhofer Feld's future, a significant public open space in Berlin, is influenced by the 2014 referendum results, where Berliners rejected construction plans, and current political pressures from parties like the CDU and SPD to reconsider the ban due to the city's housing crisis.
- The ongoing development discussions concerning the Tempelhofer Feld, a key issue in policy-and-legislation and general-news, involve proposals for public consultations, suggestions for utilizing existing structures for large events, and concerns about balancing housing needs with the preservation of urban green spaces.
