More space. More possibilities.

Given the new perspectives for Mönchengladbach Airport (MGL) outlined by Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Aerospace Center – DLR), the foundations for expanding the site have now been laid. New space on the harness racing track brings the prospect of promising development opportunities for the future.

At its meeting on September 19, the Supervisory Board of Entwicklungsgesellschaft der Stadt Mönchengladbach (EWMG) resolved to terminate the tenancy agreement for the harness racing track with effect from December 31, 2021. The 140,000 m² site can therefore be integrated in the airport development plans – as part of the site is needed as a retention basis for stormwater runoff to prevent flooding the airport will also benefit from some unique landscaping.

After Rheinischer Rennverein e.V. was declared bankrupt in 2005 the old leasehold was repealed. The site was subsequently let free of charge to the successor association “Trabrennverein Mönchengladbach e.V.” with the proviso that the site should be developed for commercial purposes or serve the expansion of the airport.

“The harness racing track site gives us excellent strategic options for the overall development of this area,” Dr Ulrich Schückhaus, Chairman of the Board of EWMG and Managing Director of MGL, commented. There is to be space for a new business centre and further halls with direct access to the airfield.

The harness racing track site offers approx. 40,000 m² gross floor area for offices and 25,000 m² of halls as a location for further aviation-related businesses. The termination of the tenancy agreement means it is now possible to commence the urban land use planning process to qualify the land for the new use. Actual development is expected to commence from 2022.

“The new commercial zone is a big opportunity for the airport and Mönchengladbach,” Schückhaus emphasized. He expects to see new skilled jobs, further income from rents and leases for the airport as well as additional revenue from trade taxes for the city.

EWMG acquired the majority shareholding in Mönchengladbach Airport in mid-2018 with the clear mission to advance the profitable development of the site. A start has been made, the foundations have been laid.