Northern municipalities must invest billions in buildings - Northern municipalities must invest billions in buildings
Northern German municipalities face a steep financial challenge as billions must be poured into ageing buildings over the coming years. In Schleswig-Holstein, the strain is particularly acute, with cities like Norderstedt grappling with tight budgets and rising costs for residents. The problem extends far beyond local borders, reflecting a nationwide backlog in infrastructure spending.
Across Germany, schools alone require nearly €68 billion in investments to modernise crumbling facilities. Schleswig-Holstein’s share of this burden stands at around €2.4 billion, adjusted for its population size. Yet even this figure understates the pressure on individual towns.
In Norderstedt, Mayor Katrin Schmieder will soon confront the scale of the crisis head-on. By late 2025, she will be signing off on plans for renovations and new constructions that could cost the city up to two billion euros over the next 15 years. The figures have forced painful decisions, with budget cuts already affecting public services and pushing expenses onto residents. While a federal investment package offers some support, it falls short of what Norderstedt needs. The gap between available funds and the sheer scale of work required leaves local authorities searching for solutions.
The financial squeeze shows no signs of easing, with Norderstedt’s long-term plans now hinging on securing additional funding. Without it, the city will struggle to maintain essential buildings while keeping costs manageable for its residents. The situation mirrors broader challenges across Schleswig-Holstein, where ageing infrastructure demands urgent attention.
