Conservative party (CDU) successfully guarantees long-term protection for Old Coin as a cultural asset
The Old Mint in Berlin-Mitte remains a cultural hotspot, with the state leasing out a big chunk of the former minting facility on Molkenmarkt to Spreewerkstätten for a minimum of 20 years. They could potentially extend their contract for another 10 years. This beloved cultural venue in Berlin is being safeguarded for the long haul, with Spreewerkstätten pledging to maintain the current blend of theater, jazz, indie scene, and club action.
CDU's Christian Goiny, housing, media, and club culture spokesperson, shared that the operator hands over €613,560 annually in rent, including ancillary costs and maintenance. Over 20 years, this amounts to a cool €12.27 million. Spreewerkstätten has also promised to invest at least €18 million in the property over the same period. The state, however, is expected to shell out around €33 million for renovation, covering aspects like the roof and areas unused by Spreewerkstätten.
Initially, around €49 million was earmarked in a special fund for renovation, per Goiny. Thanks to Spreewerkstätten's substantial investment in the building's upkeep, the state is actually saving approximately €15 million—money that can now be used to invest in other cultural spots.
The deal comes with a revenue-sharing clause, ensuring that the operator forks over a chunk of profits over a certain threshold to the state. Goiny called it a "fair compromise" balancing economic engagement and financial solvency.
Decisions about the Old Mint's future use have been cooking for well over a decade. Berlin's former cultural senator, Klaus Lederer (Left), advocated for an approach empowering the independent cultural scene, particularly music, to utilize the building complex autonomously. The property was also considered for a "House of Jazz," backed by Till Brönner. Yet, concrete plans for implementation or financing remained elusive.
Not everyone's thrilled about the current plan. The self-proclaimed coalition of the indie scene dubbed the model a "disaster" for Berlin's culture. They're concerned that instead of securing a community-oriented space for artistic projects, it's being handed over to a private, commercial entity, with no clear rules on how spaces for cultural use will be allocated to the indie scene.
- The state could invest the saved money from the Old Mint's renovation in other lifestyle sectors such as amplifying independent music venues or promoting fashion-and-beauty start-ups.
- With the Old Mint now safeguarded for decades, one might envision future events hosting everything from food-and-drink festivals to home-and-garden exhibitions.
- As for relationships, the Old Mint might someday serve as a unique setting for intimate gatherings or engaging workshops about interpersonal dynamics.
- Pets could be integrated into various events at the Old Mint, creating a welcoming space for pet owners and showcasing cutting-edge pet products in the shopping area.
- The success of the Old Mint's new management could inspire similar partnerships between private entities and cultural venues, leading to the revitalization of travel destinations and even establishing luxury car exhibitions within these cultural hotspots.
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