Marienburg tenant criticizes delay in refurbishment
The tenant of Marienburg Castle south of Hanover has complained about the delay in the extensive renovation of the castle. A building survey has been available since 2013, and even then an early renovation was recommended, Nicolaus von Schöning told the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper (Monday). "This has now been politically decided for four years, the federal and state governments have made 27 million euros available. But almost nothing has happened since then."
During an inspection, a wood-destroying fungus, dry rot, was discovered in large parts of the castle's roof structure. The tourist attraction can no longer be visited for an indefinite period due to the damage. The east, west and south wings of the castle have been closed to visitors since the beginning of September, and tours and guided tours of the interior have not been possible since then.
According to earlier information from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture, the castle, which stands on a slope, must be secured, the building shell renovated and the technical equipment renewed. The renovation work is due to begin in the first half of 2024 and is estimated to be completed in 2030.
The tenant said that heating could have stopped the growth of the fungus. "When the refurbishment didn't get off the ground three years ago, I offered to install air conditioning - at my expense," he said. "We heat with the heat from a biogas plant and could have used it to gently dry the castle and slow down the fungus." But the ministry refused because this would pre-empt the renovation.
Schöning emphasized that just opening the café was not a solution: "Most of the guests in the café are museum visitors. If we don't have a museum, we won't have enough guests in the café." He said: "If the museum rooms remain closed, that will be the end for us, because they are also the heart of the castle economically."
He would like the blanket closure to be made more specific - it may be possible to reopen certain areas, such as the cellar. "Our job is to open the castle to the general public - before, during and after the renovation. That's what our contracts say," he said.
The castle was transferred from its former owner Ernst August von Hannover junior to a foundation in 2004. The leaseholder explained that the income would be used to pay the salaries of the employees, for example. "But even if we don't make a profit, we pay a minimum lease of 65,000 euros to the foundation. That ensures its survival." Around half of the profit goes to the foundation.
The delays in the renovation of Marienburg Castle have left several monuments, such as the east, west, and south wings, inaccessible to visitors. The extensive renovation, recommended as early as 2013, aims to secure the castle, restore its building shell, and renew its technical equipment.
Source: www.dpa.com
