The reconstruction of the Bornplatz Synagogue in Hamburg is making no progress. The main obstacle remains the high-rise air-raid shelter on Joseph-Carlebach Square, built during the Second World War, which must be completely demolished before construction can begin. A CDU inquiry in the Hamburg Parliament indicates that demolition could begin in 2028 at the earliest. No firm date has been set for the building to be vacated, demolition work or the start of construction.
The Senate Chancellery and the The University of Hamburg have confirmed that the bunker is still being used by university departments. They say that options for relocating its current occupants are being considered. No final decision has yet been made on vacating the building. Until that happens, the subsequent procedural and budgetary steps for demolition cannot be initiated.
The project’s urban-planning and architectural framework has essentially been established. A competition selected the design for the new building in 2025. The winning proposal is based on the historic synagogue of 1906 and combines reconstructed elements with contemporary additions. However, construction can only begin once the site has been cleared by demolishing the high-rise air-raid shelter.
Responsibility for the project and its funding lie with a partnership comprising the city, funding bodies and the Jewish Community of Hamburg. The federal government has pledged funding in recent years. Specific dates for drawing down the funds and for construction cannot be set without a decision to vacate the building and secure temporary premises for its current occupants. The authorities responsible cite legal, heritage-protection and logistical assessments that must be completed before demolition can proceed.
The delays are fuelling public debate in Hamburg. Representatives of the Jewish Community of Hamburg and groups campaigning for the reconstruction are calling for the bunker issue to be resolved swiftly to provide certainty for planning. Local residents and university institutions, for their part, are pressing for clear temporary arrangements and reliable schedules. One thing is undisputed: until the bunker is vacated, the new synagogue cannot be built.
The immediate news is confirmation that there is still no date for vacating the university bunker and that, according to a parliamentary inquiry, demolition could begin in 2028 at the earliest. No construction work at Joseph-Carlebach-Platz can be expected until a decision has been made on alternative premises and a formal order to vacate the building has been issued.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).