Million-dollar agreement on Hollerweg causes dispute: Regensburg city deems criticism "unfounded"
In a significant move towards environmental conservation, the city of Regensburg purchased a 2.2-hectare area on Hollerweg in the summer of 2022. The marketing of this area, which began in September 2021, garnered considerable interest from potential buyers across various regions.
The city's acquisition of the field numbers 1446/1 and 1466/2 was finalised in July 2022. The purchase price was approximately eight million euros. Preliminary inspections of the area were carried out by the Liegenschaftsamt, Bauordnungsamt (Umlegungsstelle), and Stadtplanungsamt before the purchase.
Most of the purchased area is strictly protected sandy poor grassland and cannot be built on. Nine plant species that indicate sandy poor grassland were determined on the mowed meadow, including the heather bell (red list, particularly protected under the Federal Nature Conservation Act). Conversations with residents revealed that a grass snake and the white forest porter had been sighted there.
A visit to the area with a representative of Bund Naturschutz and a biologist and botanist confirmed that the area is indeed sandy poor grassland. However, the city's statement that this type of land is difficult to recognise is disputed by experts.
The comprehensive mapping of biotopes, conducted as part of the ongoing building plan procedure, will be presented to the public after the summer break. It is worth noting that no right of first refusal was exercised during the purchase, and the city is not aware of any negotiations with external interested parties regarding the purchase.
The city's Department of Urban Planning and Development is responsible for land use planning and ensuring the site meets development regulations. The Environmental Protection Department conducts environmental assessments and contamination checks, while the Building Authority (Bauamt) inspects structural and zoning compliance. The Property Management Department handles the acquisition process and property documentation, and the Municipal Surveying Office (Vermessungsamt) verifies boundaries and land measurements.
The field numbers 1444/10, 1444/11, and 1443 have belonged to the city of Regensburg since the end of the 1930s. Meanwhile, field numbers 1436, 1437, and 1438 belong to a private investor. An originally anonymous notification regarding nature and species protection was forwarded to the city planning department via the Nature Conservation Association on 02.02.2022.
The city's commitment to the preservation of this unique ecosystem is a testament to its dedication to environmental conservation. The acquisition of the Hollerweg area marks a significant step in the city's efforts to protect and preserve its natural heritage for future generations.
In light of the city's commitment to environmental conservation, they could consider investing in the conservation and management of the Hollerweg area, using funds from the city's finance department. This real-estate acquisition not only safeguards a unique ecosystem but also aligns with the city's long-term goal of preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
