Green Party Opposes Housing Development at Tempelhofer Feld

The Berlin Green Party has voiced strong opposition to any plans for housing development on the Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park. The party's faction leader has criticized ongoing discussions about construction on this iconic site, characterizing them as distractions from the government's failure to meet housing targets elsewhere in the city.

According to the Green Party, the focus on developing Tempelhofer Feld diverts attention from pressing construction projects that are already delayed, such as the Schumacher Quartier in Tegel and the Molkenmarkt in Mitte. The party argues that the real issue facing Berlin is not a lack of space for development, but rather the government's inability to efficiently execute existing plans.

The Green political figure emphasized that even if construction were to occur on the Tempelhofer Feld, it would not necessarily lead to affordable housing. He indicated that any new housing projects could result in rental prices ranging from EUR25 to EUR30 per square meter, which would not alleviate the city's affordability crisis.

Berlin's governing mayor has recently advocated for a faster approach to potential peripheral development of the area, suggesting that a public consultation might occur as early as 2026. However, the Green Party urges the government to respect the outcome of a 2014 referendum that prohibited any construction on the site, reinforcing the notion that the Tempelhofer Feld should remain a free and accessible space for the public.

The Green Party highlights the importance of the Tempelhofer Feld as a multifunctional area that offers recreational opportunities, from sports to cultural events. They argue that this open space is vital for ecological balance and urban cooling, especially in the context of rising urban temperatures. The park serves not only as a recreational hub but also as a critical ecological resource for the city.

Furthermore, the Green Party has expressed its commitment to preserving the existing cultural activities at the Tempelhofer Feld, such as concerts and community events. They advocate for enhancing the park's role as a venue for large gatherings, while maintaining its status as an essential green space in the urban landscape.

As discussions continue, the Green Party remains firm in its stance against any form of construction on the Tempelhofer Feld, calling for the government's focus to shift towards areas where development is feasible, in line with the public's expressed will.