Penzing Air Base: Purchase offer in danger – Bundeswehr needs space!

Penzing Air Base: Purchase offer in danger – Bundeswehr needs space!

The former air base near Penzing is currently the focus of negotiations between the Area61 special purpose association and the Federal Real Estate Agency (BImA). Again Circle messenger reported that those responsible have received a concrete offer to purchase the property. But the possibility of conversion threatens to falter. The Bundeswehr is examining whether the area can be used as a barracks location, which is becoming even more important due to the current announcement by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius that the number of people doing military service will be increased to 40,000 by 2031.

In order to meet the increasing need for accommodation, the Bundeswehr is planning to build 270 company buildings using modular construction, primarily on existing properties. In this context, the Penzing Air Base is also mentioned as one of the 187 audited properties in the BImA portfolio. A previously drawn up master plan envisages a variety of uses for the site, including residential buildings, offices, restaurants and even a university campus. However, the purchase offer is subject to the approval of the BImA headquarters and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The Bundeswehr has reported a need

The Bundeswehr identified the air base as “favored” in a current federal needs assessment, which prompted Mayor Peter Hammer to report this to the Penzing-Landsberg Innovation Campus Association. In the past, however, similar audit orders often had no consequences, which increases the uncertainty. The Air Force has specifically reported a need, but a negative attitude from the BImA raises questions. On January 23rd, a delegation from the Bundeswehr visited the air base without Hammer being informed about it.

The communication between the BImA and the local actors left something to be desired. Hammer demanded an official notification, which finally arrived on January 29th and confirmed the favoritism. However, it remains unclear which areas are specifically needed. Hammer expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and hopes to receive further information from the Air Force inspector, which has so far been lacking.

The way into the future

The Landsberg district is optimistic about the future use of the air base. There are currently no signs of changes in the conversion process, and the accommodation for refugees should remain there. The Area61 special purpose association is willing to talk to the Bundeswehr about coexistence solutions in order to take both needs into account - both for the Bundeswehr and for civilian use.

It will be watched with interest to see how the situation develops over the coming months. Hammer has found that it is not an easy undertaking, but despite the challenges, he encourages positive thinking and committed continuation of activities to take advantage of opportunities for Penzing Air Base.