Future of the Jägerkaserne: political controversy around Kassel's interim building!

Future of the Jägerkaserne: political controversy around Kassel's interim building!

The theater interim building in Kassel, which is built on the site of the former hunter barracks, remains incomplete. The construction was initiated as a necessary measure during the renovation of the State Theater. The need for renovation of the upper and sub-machinery was determined in 2018, which led to the decommissioning of the machines in 2023. This decommissioning made it impossible for stage and illustrated the urgent need for a functioning replacement game.

The FDP in the Kassel town hall sees an opportunity in interim construction to use the interim playing site even after the renovation of the State Theater for Theaterpolley. They also propose to use the building as a documenta center. Marcus Leitschuh from the CDU, however, expresses itself and describes interim construction as not adequate for a permanent solution. Ramona Kopec from the SPD criticizes this proposal as a quick shot and cultural -political nonsense. Gernot Rönz from the Greens describes the idea as a future music, which indicates the fact that the interim game is not yet in operation.

overview of interim construction

Interim construction is based on a use of five years and is intended to replace the State Theater during its renovation. After completing this use, the construction could be dismantled and rebuilt in another location or further developed modularly. The city of Kassel rents the temporary building from the non -profit housing association of the city of Kassel mbH (GWG) and sublet it to the State Theater Kassel. This concept is multifunctional and was designed taking into account sustainability.

The financing of the project is largely borne by the state of Hesse, which pays 80% of the costs for the use of the alternative venue and the renovation of the opera house. The distribution of costs between country and the city is set in a ratio of 52:48. Hesse’s Minister of Culture, Timon Gremmels, also emphasized that the renovation of the state theater will not be postponed, whereby the work is expected to begin in the season 2025/2026

urban development and other plans

The area around the former hunter barracks is increasingly developing into an event area. In the long term, urban development developments are planned, which include around 200 new apartments and a neighborhood garage. The property office of the city of Kassel has already awarded two construction areas for the construction of apartment buildings with funded living space to the GWG, with the aim that the apartments are ready for occupancy in the third quarter of 2027 at the latest.

This makes it clear that interim construction is not only a short -term solution, but is part of a more comprehensive plan for revitalization and infrastructural upgrading of the entire environment. Meanwhile, the political discussion about the future use of the interim building remains exciting, with various opinions and approaches of the parties involved.