Struggle with investor procurement arises as city council votes on repurposing old residence
The city of Trier is seeking an investor to breathe new life into the Exhaus, a closed building since 2019, transforming it into a vibrant youth and cultural centre. The city council passed the new usage concept for the Exhaus with a majority vote on Wednesday evening.
The Exhaus, known for its subcultural space that brought together young people from different districts, will now be made attractive to investors by allowing them to economically use other building areas, such as for gastronomy, offices, or a recording studio. However, a children's daycare centre for up to 50 children has been added to the concept at the request of the Jamaica coalition of CDU, Greens, and FDP.
The future investor responsible for the costs of the renovation of the Exhaus will most likely be a registered cooperative that is preferentially considered as a long-term leaseholder (Erbbaurechtsnehmer) under a ground lease model. The city will grant the Exhaus in the form of an hereditary building right, allowing the investor to acquire the building without paying for the land.
Real estate expert Dirk Lohr and Sabine Bollig, who deals with social development in Trier North, both see a cooperative as a good or the best solution for the Exhaus. The proposed cooperative should consist of citizens, craftsmen, business owners, and foundations. Its purpose is to ensure that the Exhaus is operated in the interest of the community.
The left wing of the Exhaus will be used for municipal purposes, with plans for rooms for youth work, a youth café, and an open meeting place. The vaulted cellar is to be restored for music rehearsals and concerts. Apartments are not included in the concept.
The city does not want to bear the millions for the revival of the Exhaus, as it has high debts. Funding opportunities are being explored, and the administration wants to obtain expert opinions on the building substance, market value, and heritage protection before the search for investors begins.
The so-called expression of interest procedure is scheduled to start in mid-2026. The "Exhaus stays!" action alliance, which called for the demonstration that took place on Wednesday evening, has contributed to the city's concept for the Exhaus but demands more co-determination and the establishment of a cooperative. Approximately 90 people demonstrated in support of the Exhaus during the city council meeting.
Criticism has been raised about the inclusion of a children's daycare centre, as it could potentially deter potential investors. However, the city council passed the concept with the greatest possible majority, emphasizing the inclusion of child and youth care as a mandatory part of the concept.
The Exhaus, once revived, is expected to once again become a hub for Trier's youth and cultural scene, fostering community spirit and creativity.
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