CDU Announces Long-Term Protection of Old Coin Designated as a Cultural Artifact

Securing a Cultural Haven: CDU bags Old Mint in Berlin for 20 Years and Beyond

CDU Proposes Long-Term Preservation of the Old Mint as a Historic Landmark - CDU Announces Long-Term Protection of Old Coin Designated as a Cultural Artifact

Hang on to your paintbrushes and drumsticks, Berliners! The Old Mint in the heart of the city is officially branded as a long-term cultural hub. The state government has leased a bulk of the historical minting facility at Molkenmarkt to cultural event organizer and club operator, Spreewerkstätten, for no less than 20 years, with an additional 10 years up for grabs.

Spreewerkstätten has already been hosting a club and various projects at the location, and they've promised to maintain the current symphony of theater, jazz, underground scene, and nightlife operations.

Christian Goiny, CDU's spokesman for housing, media, and club culture, declared to the German Press Agency that this move keeps a promise made over ten years ago by both CDU and SPD. "We're securing a cherished Berlin cultural landmark for good—even the underground scene stands to gain from this deal," Goiny said, ahead of the contract's discussion in the cultural committee that day.

Rent and investments

Every year, Spreewerkstätten will cough up 613,560 euros in rental fees, which includes added costs and maintenance—that's a sum of 12.27 million euros over 20 years. To top it off, Spreewerkstätten has vowed to invest a whopping 18 million euros into the property over the same period. Fret not, state coffers will shell out around 33 million euros for renovations, covering the roof and spaces Spreewerkstätten won't be using.

Originally, a special fund dedicated to renovation totaling 49 million euros had been planned. But since the tenant is now shouldering a significant portion of the upkeep costs, the state stands to save around 15 million euros, which can now be diverted to improve other cultural sites.

Profits and partnership

Goiny revealed that the contract stipulates that Spreewerkstätten will fork over a proportion of its earnings to the state once they reach a certain threshold. "This agreement represents a fair equilibrium between economic involvement and cultural participation, as well as giving due consideration to the state's budget troubles," Goiny stated.

Two-decade tug-of-war

Tussles over the best use of the Old Mint have plagued discussions for over ten years. Former Berlin culture senator, Klaus Lederer (Left), supported an idea where the free cultural scene, particularly in music, would have independent use of the building complex. He also advocated for a "House of Jazz," championed by musician Till Brönner. Nevertheless, concrete plans for implementation or financing never materialized.

Riling up the rebels

Unsurprisingly, not everyone's thrilled with this deal. The self-proclaimed coalition of the free scene equated the agreement to a "cultural catastrophe" for Berlin. Their statement read, "Rather than securing a space dedicated to artistic projects for the community, we're handing the keys to a private, profit-driven creative company. There's no transparency on how the new operator will allocate cultural spaces to the underground scene."

1. European countries could consider incorporating vocational training programs within the Old Mint's cultural hub, offering courses in lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and shopping to foster a well-rounded artistic community.
2. As Spreewerkstätten invests in the Old Mint's renovation, they could potentially collaborate with businesses in the fashion-and-beauty industry to create a salon or beauty school within the facility, providing opportunities for graduates to work in the thriving Berlin scene.
3. With a focus on promoting local culture, Spreewerkstätten could host cooking classes on traditional German cuisine, transforming the food-and-drink section of the Old Mint into a hub for foodies and budding chefs.
4. In line with the home-and-garden section, Spreewerkstätten could partner with pet stores to create a pet adoption center within the Old Mint, promoting responsible pet ownership and giving animals a chance at a loving home.
5. To emphasize the importance of community engagement, Spreewerkstätten could establish a relationship counseling service within the Old Mint, fostering stronger bonds among Berlin residents and visitors alike, much like the symphony of theater, jazz, underground scene, and nightlife operations already in place.

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