Cost explosion in the Agnesviertel: Refugee home for 110 million!

Cost explosion in the Agnesviertel: Refugee home for 110 million!

Riehler Straße, Köln, Deutschland - A financial effort in the heart of Cologne! plans to transform the district government in an initial reception facility for refugees in the Agnesviertel. A mega project that should cost a whopping 110 million euros, but is missing alternatives!

The transformation of the listed building, which has been empty since 2021, has officially started. From January 1, 2026, 500 refugees are to be accommodated here on a site near the Cologne Cathedral, such as the t-online reported. The plan not only includes the renovation, but also a ten -year operation of the facility. Architects from Berlin are already at work.

between monument protection and economy

The history of the building is rich and complex: an old building from 1908 to 1911, a sleek high -rise from 1968 and a canteen from the 1960s, all three parts are to be used without restrictions. But only the old building and canteen are actively redesigned. The challenge: sustainability is not in the foreground, but a ten -year -old profitable conversion.

In view of the high price and the lack of alternatives, the district government emphasizes that the fictitious rent will be 16.38 euros per square meter per square meter and is therefore quite appropriate in Cologne's expensive real estate environment.

debates and explosive

But the project does not remain without critics. Claus-Ulrich Prölß from the Cologne Refugee Council sees the location as excellent because of its central location. But not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Local residents, such as the Neustadt-Nord/Villen district interest group, fear for the quality of living and the monument protection of the buildings.

just as critically expressed Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger About the processes: Centrally integrated and well thought out, the decision-making process would not be, complained, for example, the Cologne city center mayor Andreas Hupke.

For some there is hope that schools or apartments could once be here, which is denied for the time being due to the high amount of investment. The city is not financially involved, but has the interest of influencing development because the effects will reach urban life.