Augsburger Hof in Landsberg: refugee accommodation or hotel?

Augsburger Hof in Landsberg: refugee accommodation or hotel?

Schlossergasse, 86899 Landsberg am Lech, Deutschland - The Augsburger Hof in Landsberg, a traditional hotel, is the focus of a heated competition between the city and the district. While the hotel has been offering the guests of the neighboring city theater accommodation for 14 years, the district now shows interest in the building to accommodate unaccompanied minor refugees (UMA). "I can't get out of the number now," smiles operator Michael Buchheim. The situation is heading and Buchheim has the feeling that his end as a hotelier approaches quickly.

urgent need for accommodation for refugees

The district is looking for sleeping places for the currently 52 unaccompanied minor asylum seekers. "Almost half of these young people have not found a place in the district," reports district spokesman Wolfgang Müller. The Augsburger Hof offers space for up to 24 people with two living groups and could therefore be the urgently needed solution. In addition, a youth welfare institution would be conceivable and the costs would probably be covered by the district government. But to change the use, it could be difficult: approval from the city is indispensable where there is also a right of first refusal.

Buchheim is aware of the need, but also emphasizes the importance of his hotel for the city theater and the culture in Landsberg. "It works well with the young people, but my heart still beats the hotel," he admits. Theater director Florian Werner raises the alarm: "If the hotel falls away, it will be difficult for us to receive large ensembles." With an inquiry, the SPD/FDP city council group is now planning to use the city's right of first refusal to secure the Augsburger Hof.

political pressure and possible solutions

The SPD/FDP faction signals great interest in using the property for urban construction projects and wants to conclude a lease agreement with an established company in order to maintain hotel operation. "The goal is to combine both interests," explains 3rd Mayor Felix Bredschneijder. The faction emphasizes that they do not want to build a front against the district. Another empty house on the wooden market could also be considered as a possible solution for the accommodation of refugees.