Langenhagen plans new sports hall in the west – Between school requirements and club interests

Initial situation: Why does Langenhagen need a new sports hall?

The utilization of existing sports halls in Langenhagen has significantly increased in recent years. At the same time, the demolition of the Peko Hall and the IGS gymnasium is imminent, which will further increase the pressure on the remaining halls. The Langenhagen Sports Association, representing over 11,750 athletes in 41 clubs, points to an undersupply in the western part of the city. In addition, the importance of sports in the broader societal context is emphasized: from health prevention through integration to school-based full-day offers.

Planning and dimensions: Two-court or three-court hall?

After several proposals and discussions, the Langenhagen City Council decided in favor of planning a two-court school sports hall in the western area. The CDU faction had requested a three-court hall, which, however, could not be sufficiently justified from an educational perspective. The administration found that a larger hall can only be considered if non-school usage options and city-wide planning are taken into account.

The AfD faction called for a results-neutral review of the three-court hall option in the cost-benefit analysis. A double-deck concept, with a three-court hall on the ground floor and a one-court hall or specialized course rooms on the upper floor, was presented by AS Fachplanungsbüro GmbH. This model offers advantages such as space savings and balance neutrality but could also entail higher investment costs and structural complexity.

Financing: Federal funds in the foreground

Financing for the new hall is to be primarily from federal funds, particularly from the program for strengthening municipal infrastructure. Financing through the federal program "Renovation of municipal facilities" was rejected as unsuitable for new construction. In addition, a club-driven financing model is considered unrealistic, as the MTV Engelbostel-Schulenburg would neither be financially nor legally able to fund a new hall.

A cost-benefit analysis between self-construction and a lease model is mandatory. AS Fachplanungsbüro GmbH presented a concept with an investment volume of 10 million euros, which includes annual fixed costs of 511,111 euros. The lease model is being considered as an alternative due to its risk transfer, planning certainty, and balance neutrality. The cost-benefit analysis under § 12 KomHKVO is therefore considered a central decision factor.

Usage and distribution: How will the hall be used?

The new hall is to be made available primarily to the clubs of the Langenhagen Sports Association after meeting educational needs. A transparent allocation procedure for hall usage is planned. In addition, a cost-orientation framework is established, which lists the total investment costs and annual follow-up costs. If the framework is exceeded by more than 10 percent, a new review by the Council is required.

The administration is tasked with submitting a status report on the development of sports hall capacities in Langenhagen since 2017. This creates a monitoring mechanism to oversee the implementation and cost development.

Conclusion: A step into the future, but not yet the final answer

The planned construction of a two-court school sports hall in the west of Langenhagen is a necessary step in a city where the sports infrastructure is under pressure. The decision for a two-court hall reflects the educational requirements, but still allows for the examination of a three-court variant if it proves to be beneficial from non-school or economic reasons. The financing via federal funds and the inclusion of lease models show that the city is trying to act responsibly and flexibly.

In the long term, however, the question remains whether the new hall will be able to meet the increasing demands on sports in Langenhagen – both in the educational and club sectors. The cost-benefit analysis and the implementation of the project in the coming years will be decisive.