It is the second oldest building in Munich, the Zerwirkgewächse on Ledererstrasse. It belongs to the Free State of Bavaria, has been empty for four years and is rapidly falling into disrepair. Now the Free State wants to sell the listed building in the old town, which dates back to the 13th century. But this is met with resistance.
The planned sale became public through a request from the Green state parliament member Christian Hierneis. “Since the property is no longer needed to fulfill state tasks, it must be sold,” the Bavarian Ministry of Buildings replied. “Discussions are currently taking place with potential buyers.” The approximately 750-year-old house was originally used to process the hunted game. Most recently, the building was used by, among others, the Gärtnerplatztheater and the Bavarian Theater Academy, and then the club and gastro scene moved in. Its structural condition is dilapidated.
The Munich Forum, which is committed to a “critical and constructive debate on urban development”, wants the sales process to be stopped. In an open letter, the “Young Forum” and the working group “Who Rules the City” in the Munich Forum appeal to the state government: “Stop selling out the city! Save the Zerwirk Vault!” It is a “building that creates identity” for many Munich residents.
The state government should make it a “place for everyone” instead of privatizing it. There is a lack of space for small businesses, the independent art and culture scene or young people, especially in the center of Munich. The Free State should therefore enable use in these areas. On the way there, the Munich Forum is calling for a “transparent discussion”. The appeal is supported by other civil society groups and initiatives, including “Ausspekuliert” and the student “AK Wohnen”.
But talking about this one building is not enough for the signatories. The Free State should generally guarantee a “socially acceptable handling” of its property, especially land and real estate. “Selling based on the highest bid or renting based on the maximum price must be discontinued.”
The budget law currently obliges the Free State to sell at market value or the highest bid, instead of taking into account non-profit associations at a discount. The state parliament should change this law to enable use for the common good. With the Zerwirk vault, the Free State should not waste one of the last opportunities to create “an inclusive, affordable place for everyone” in the old town.