Kühlungsborn to renovate Villa Baltic without investor - Kühlungsborn's Villa Baltic to rise again as a cultural and civic hub
The historic Villa Baltic in Kühlungsborn is set for a major revival after years of standing empty. The seaside town plans to buy and restore the long-abandoned property as part of a €32 million project. If approved, the site will become a bustling public hub with shops, offices, and cultural spaces.
The grand villa was bought in 2019 by brothers Jan and Berend Aschenbeck, whose early renovation plans were later rejected. Private investment talks collapsed over disputes about land purchases, leaving the building unused for decades.
Now, the town council wants to take control. Two draft resolutions will be voted on this Tuesday to push the project forward. Officials aim to fund two-thirds of the costs through federal and state grants.
Beyond restoring the villa itself, the plans include a new town hall, underground parking, and commercial units for medical practices and retailers. Inside the villa, there will be a registry office, a local history museum, and spaces for dining and events. The surrounding area will also be developed to create a central meeting point for residents and visitors.
Efforts to redevelop the site have dragged on for years. Earlier private schemes failed, but the council now believes a public-led approach will finally bring the historic building back to life.
The project would transform a long-neglected landmark into a functional and social centre for Kühlungsborn. With most funding expected from grants, the town hopes to complete the work without heavy local tax burdens. A final decision on the plans will be made by councillors in the coming days.
