Volkswohlbund's Demolition Plans Spark Controversy in Dortmund

Residents fear the destruction of a 'grown neighborhood'. Activists demand action on social housing and affordable rents.

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2025 October 1 . 10:02 PM

1 min read

At the bottom of the image there is a road with cars and a bus. Behind them there are buildings... — At the bottom of the image there is a road with cars and a bus. Behind them there are buildings with walls, windows, dish and roofs. And also there are posters and banners to the walls. There is a pole with streetlight.

Volkswohlbund's Demolition Plans Spark Controversy in Dortmund

Volkswohlbund's plans to demolish and rebuild 36 rental units and commercial buildings on Chemnitzer Straße/Corner Hakenstraße in Dortmund have sparked controversy. The Action Alliance disagrees, stating that the cited problems are reasons to renovate, not demolish, the houses. Activists, including trade union Verdi and political parties, are calling for action on social housing in Dortmund, where students and apprentices are struggling with high housing costs.

Volkswohlbund cited 'economic hardship' for the planned demolition and rebuilding. However, residents suspect economic motives, as the apartments are rentable and there are no construction defects. Many residents have lived in the houses for decades and express concern about the destruction of a 'grown neighborhood'.

Verdi, represented by Gabriele Schmidt, demands expanded financing and 35 billion euros for social housing construction in North Rhine-Westphalia. The union proposes a large-scale funding expansion and the establishment of a state housing construction company to create permanently affordable housing. The Left party and the Greens also criticize the plans, emphasizing the need for more communal housing and city intervention to strengthen non-profit housing.

The proposed demolition and rebuilding by Volkswohlbund have raised concerns among residents and activists in Dortmund. While the company cites economic hardship, critics suspect economic motives and call for more social security and city intervention to preserve existing neighborhoods and control rising rents.