City centre Protests over future of Viktoriakaree

Bonn · A neighbourhood association formed a human chain on Saturday to symbolise protection of the Viktoriakarree ahead of a citizen’s workshop on its future this Saturday.

This coming Saturday, the citizen’s workshop on the future of the Viktoriakarree in Bonn city centre begins. A recently formed neighbourhood association called for a demonstration in Rathausgasse on Saturday afternoon. There were more than 150 participants and Clara Arnold, chairwoman of the association, said the demonstration was a “complete success.” It ended with the formation of a human chain symbolising the protection of the area.

The formation of the association brings to the table another player wanting to shape the future of the area. Klara Esch, spokesperson for the association, said: “Developments in the Viktoriakarree should not lead to any demolition or disturbance to housing. We will fight for our living space.” She demanded that the Austrian investor, Signa, stop the buildings remaining vacant.

She is following the same line as Libertäre Zentrum (Liz) and the Viva Viktoria Alliance. A citizen’s initiative by Viva Viktoria successfully stopped plans by Signa to demolish the Viktoriakaree in November 2015 to build a shopping mall and library rooms for the university.

On 27 January, police and a Signa representative searched rooms in Rathausgasse occupied by Libertäre Zentrum. As previously reported, they found a 25-year-old and a 28-year-old, who are now under investigation for trespass, according to police spokesperson Ruth Braun.

Signa spokesperson Robert Leingruber said security measures had been taken and it was hoped the premises would be more easily marketable now the squatters were gone. When asked whether he thought there was a chance of renting the vacant spaces in the current situation, Leingruber responded: “There are companies that have formed their entire business model around short and midterm leases.”

It is in Signa’s interests to find tenants and generate income. Shortly before the police intervention, businesses had written to the city saying Signa was allowing the area to become more rundown. However, the investor insists the police and the department of public prosecution have to make the next move.

There are nine ongoing cases for breaking and entering, electricity theft and trespass. However, public prosecution spokesman Sebastian Buß said: “The current investigations present no obstacle to starting construction works.”

The city does not believe it can force Signa to rent out the commercial property, saying ownership also gives the right to leave a property vacant. As long as the buildings are not dangerous it is not able to intervene.

Libertäre Zentrum said it was discussing whether squatters should return to Rathausgasse. It also wants participate in the citizens’ workshop on the future development of the area. (Original text: Philipp Königs. Translated by Kate Carey.)

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