VfL Osnabrück: 67.7 million euros for the reconstruction of the Bremen Bridge!

VfL Osnabrück: 67.7 million euros for the reconstruction of the Bremen Bridge!

There is good news for VfL Osnabrück from the city council meeting on Tuesday evening. The city of Osnabrück approved the planning costs of 4.4 million euros for the planned reconstruction of the Bremen Bridge with a clear majority of 40 out of 49 votes. In addition, huge amounts of 150,000 euros were released annually for personnel costs in project management. This decision is an important step in the right direction for the traditional club.

This means that concrete planning can finally begin. The city wants to ensure that the stadium can continue to be used as a venue in the future. Without the renovation, the Bremer Bridge, which has a capacity of 16,000 seats, would probably no longer be accessible. The entire renovation, which amounts to a total of 67.7 million euros, is in the early stages of planning. A new vote in the city council is coming soon to initiate the final steps. However, some aspects of the financing are still unclear and VfL will have to pay part of the costs back to the city through a lease.

Important improvements are coming

The renovation includes, among other things, a complete redesign of the east, south and west stands. This would increase the number of standing areas in the East Stand while converting the West Stand into a seated stand. When it comes to safety, there are also considerations about integrating sound insulation. However, it is currently uncertain when construction work can actually begin. The only thing that is certain is that completion can hardly be expected before 2028.

Mayor Katharina Pötter spoke during the meeting and emphasized that the city of Osnabrück is not simply investing in professional football, but rather in the city's infrastructure. “We can’t just cover the existing damage with purple and white paint,” she explained. The future of the Bremer Brücke not only depends on professional football, but also on the question of whether football can continue to be played in a stadium in Osnabrück. There are great concerns about building a new stadium on a “green field”, as this would entail considerable additional costs, both in terms of time and money.

Michael Welling, managing director of VfL, described the council’s decision as a “milestone”. He sees the decision as the fundamental cornerstone for the preservation of the Bremen Bridge. “Politicians have paved the way to advance the considerations,” said Welling. The upcoming renovation is urgently necessary. The condition of the stadium is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a safety problem.

Acute need for action for the Bremen Bridge

The plans were brought forward due to urgent measures. At the beginning of May it was discovered that the wooden laminated beams in the roof of the east stand were weathered. These had to be removed, which meant that the area is currently not covered. “The patchwork of the past few years should now come to an end,” announced Welling. A far-reaching solution is being sought to bring the Bremen Bridge to a level that offers safety and comfort for spectators.

The president of VfL, Holger Elixmann, also expressed his optimism: “Politicians have clearly voted for investments in the necessary infrastructure, which is essential to secure professional football in Osnabrück.” He clarifies that the current condition of the Bremer Bridge may be “beautiful,” but requires urgent renovation to maintain stadium security and event approval. The city council's move is a fundamental decision for VfL, which could have a significant impact on both the club's prestigious anniversary and the prospects for the coming years.

The city council's decision to release the funds not only has a direct impact on VfL Osnabrück, but also makes the hearts of fans who hope for modern and safe conditions in the stadium beat faster. The article on www.liga3-online.de provides further information on this topic.