Potsdam's old state parliament: renovation failed - what now?

Potsdam's old state parliament: renovation failed - what now?

Potsdam. A dramatic setback for the city of Potsdam: The planned renovation of the old state building on the brewery mountain has failed! The building application procedure between Berliner Sanus AG and the city was stopped abruptly, and the prospect of renovating the listed fire ruins is moving in unreachable distant. After years of delays, the building remains a sad sight in the city center.

The city administration confirmed that the building application documents from Sanus were not approved. City spokeswoman Juliane Grimm said that the submitted documents did not meet the necessary standards. The old state parliament, which was badly damaged by vandalism and several fires, is still in a desolate state. In particular, a devastating fire in August 2023 led to the plenary hall collapsed, and the roof has been exposed to the elements since then.

Right of surrender of the state

A ray of hope could appear on the horizon: The state of Brandenburg has confirmed a right of reprehensing to Sanus AG if it does not meet its contractual obligations. This repurchase right is valid until the end of 2025 and could offer the city the opportunity to regain the building and stop the years of decay. City councilor Andreas Menzel (free voters) has suggested that the city should ask the country for a repurchase to advance housing construction.

The Situation remains tense, because the city could also be forced to take safety measures for the building at its own expense. But whether she would get a cent from Sanus AG always remains questionable. The old state parliament, which was once a center of political power, now stands as a memorial for failed plans and uncertain future.