Höxter fights for TH OWL: Future of the campus in the discussion!

Höxter fights for TH OWL: Future of the campus in the discussion!

On March 18, 2025, Minister of Science Ina Brandes answered at a request from the State SPD, which deals with the future of the Technical University of Ostwestfalen-Lippe (Th OWL) in general and the campus in Höxter in particular. Brandes supports the preservation of the location in Höxter and emphasizes that the responsibility for the closure or establishment of university locations lies at the Ministry of Science. According to the University Act, universities themselves may make decisions about their courses, but a relocation of courses must not lead to a factual closure of the Höxter campus. Brandes also promised that a report on this topic is presented in the Science Committee after having talks at TH OWL in Höxter last week.

The TH OWL itself, which plans to continuously expand its locations in Detmold and Lemgo, sees challenges for further development in Höxter. Due to the location in the residential area on the Wilhelmshöhe, there is no growth potential. Against this background, the idea of ​​a "Campus Corvey" in the Corvey Monastery was born to make the location more attractive. The university commissioned a feasibility study on the potential analysis carried out by several service providers. This study was financed by the TH OWL, the Höxter district and other partners. However, the results of the study are less positive than expected. According to Professor Dr. Jürgen Krahl, the President of the TH OWL, will take advantage of the planning as well as the renovation and renovation of the monument protection. The total costs for this project are estimated at least 250 million euros.

challenges and perspectives

A central problem that was determined in the feasibility study is the demographic change that will have a negative impact on the number of students. Che Consult GmbH predicts that the potential for new students will only be single -digit in many courses. In addition, the TH-OWL vice president Yvonne-Christin Knepper-Bartel indicates the unfavorable accessibility of Höxter for students. The mobility connection to the planned Corvey Campus is hardly better than that of Wilhelmshöhe, which further reduces the attractiveness of the location. A complete move of the courses in Corvey is therefore not considered sensible.

The OWL Technical University plans to develop solutions together with the city and the district. Minister Brandes has announced an upcoming visit to Höxter, which is considered a signal for the state government's commitment in this matter. The mayor of Höxter, Daniel Hartmann, also emphasizes the long university tradition of his city and the need to examine various options. District Administrator Michael Stickeln expresses his regret that the vision of a large Corvey campus does not appear to be realizable, while Viktor Herzog of Ratibor and Prince of Corvey shows support for the project and sees potential for sustainable use of the world heritage.