Uni Kassel plans location in Hansa-Haus

The University of North Hesse requires a lot of space: this year and in the coming years, around 40 professorships will be added to the 300 professorships already in place, not least due to the newly founded Kassel Institute for Sustainability. Success in acquiring research projects also leads to a need for space; the number of so-called third-party funds has increased by more than 20 million euros in the past ten years. "The university is gaining in profile, we are investing in research and teaching, and we need space for this," explains President Prof. Dr. Ute Clement. "new.space AG has presented a concept that not only offers us this space, but also an attractive environment in a comprehensively renovated building."

"The 'Uni im Hansa-Haus' enhances the quarter on Pferdemarkt near the Holländischer Platz campus," says Chancellor Dr. Oliver Fromm. This is in line with the university's aim to have a positive impact on the city of Kassel. "With the location directly on the edge of the city center, the university is also gaining further visibility."

According to Michael Kopeinigg, Chairman of new.space AG, the company is investing a mid double-digit million euro sum in a refurbishment and an extension along Mittelgasse. The pavilions facing Kurt-Schumacher-Straße will be refurbished by new.space AG and rented out to small businesses, retailers and restaurants. The work is not limited to the façade, but also includes extensive core refurbishment. The existing energy will be respected and the building will be converted into an efficient building in accordance with the 40 EE standard.

Kopeinigg is delighted about the university's interest. "We are experiencing the negotiations with the university as very constructive and are delighted to have gained a well-known local partner. The university is focusing on sustainability and we will invest accordingly to turn the building into a low-energy building. That fits." In addition to the university, new.space AG is in talks with a second well-known tenant, according to Kopeinigg.

City planning officer Christof Nolda also welcomes the plans: "The fact that the university is renting space in the historic heart of the city of Kassel is a great sign. The Hansa-Haus and this location deserve this development. The university can thus move even closer to the city center. This fits in perfectly with our objective of reconnecting the area around Pferdemarkt and Kurt-Schumacher-Straße more closely with the city center."

From the university's point of view, the location on Kurt-Schumacher-Straße offers further advantages. For example, it is only 500 meters to the campus at Holländischer Platz. The connection to public transport at Altmarkt is very good.

The aim is to conclude a contract by the end of 2023. The university has already rented some space in Hansa-Haus. These leases are to be reorganized this year. The Kassel Institute for Sustainability is then scheduled to move into the new building on Mittelgasse by 2027. This is all subject to the approval of the Hessian Ministries of Finance and Science, which have already been informed. The University Senate has also already addressed the issue of the "University in Hansa-Haus".

Press contact:

Sebastian Mense
University of Kassel
Press spokesperson
E-mail: presse[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
Tel: 0561 804-1961