The former V&B tile production site in Merzig is now gaining new economic prospects. On Friday 18 September, Saarland, Villeroy & Boch AG and the district town of Merzig signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. This saw the three partners agree on the shared goal of transforming the site (which is currently largely unused) into a sustainable, attractive business location and thus create and secure the long-term existence of jobs in the region.
A letter of intent (LOI) signed by the district town of Merzig, SHS Strukturholding Saar (SHS) and LEG Kommunal on the same occasion agreed the specific next steps to prepare for the land development.
Minister of Economic Affairs Jürgen Barke: ‘Structural change does not just mean creating new locations, it also means giving existing sites a new economic future. The former V&B site offers a major opportunity for this: an industrial area that is no longer in use could offer new scope for companies, investment and jobs. We need sites like this to further develop our position as a hub of business. Today’s agreements get this project off the ground – with a clear goal, but also with the diligence required for the next steps to be taken.’
The 24-hectare former production and logistics site is currently largely unused. The partners are seeking to ensure the urban redevelopment of the site. The project partners each have different roles: Villeroy & Boch will be preparing a demolition and waste disposal plan including cost estimate.
Dr. Markus Warncke, CFO of Villeroy & Boch AG: ‘By signing this memorandum of understanding, we are working together with the state and the town of Merzig to lay the foundations for converting and rejuvenating the former tile production site. The site is very close to Merzig town centre and offers an attractive development opportunity for residential and commercial use. We are looking forward to working with the state and the town of Merzig to develop a solution that will provide long-term benefits to the area and the local people.’
The district town of Merzig has already conducted a feasibility study to determine the current situation and examine how to deal with the Seffersbach river.
‘The former Villeroy & Boch AG site is to undergo urban development and will provide both business locations and residential sites. The aim is to develop a sustainable and attractive commercial and residential location on the former Villeroy & Boch AG site in Merzig. This should create new jobs and attractive living space. The focus is on reinforcing our town for the long term’, senior mayor Marcus Hoffeld explained.
Mayor Christian Bies added: ‘All of the project partners want to work together to shape the site’s development. They view the project as an important undertaking for the region and want to promote the site’s transformation in a spirit of partnership and trust. Economic, social and environmental interests will all be taken equally into account and kept in careful balance. One key first step in achieving this is drawing up a joint master plan. This will form the foundation for the future use and development of the former Villeroy & Boch AG factory site.
The state is supporting the preparatory phase via SHS and LEG Kommunal. Plans include design and engineering services, additional soil investigation, and help with the stakeholder participation process. The state, via SHS, is contributing 50 percent of the overall costs incurred (up to a maximum of 300,000 euros). The money is coming from the transformation fund.
Valentin Holzer, CEO of Strukturholding Saar: ‘The former company premises is a centrally located and valuable town-centre brownfield site. The rejuvenation could benefit the district of Merzig, its inhabitants, and also local companies. SHS and its subsidiaries have extensive experience and expertise in land development (especially for brownfield sites), which we are happy to contribute for the benefit of all. In short: this is a challenging project, but also a very exciting one. We are looking forward to it.’
Once the preparatory phase is complete, the project partners will make a fundamental decision regarding the future implementation of the project. Villeroy & Boch intend to sell the property once the preparatory work is complete. The exact purchase price will be the subject of further negotiations. No decision has yet been made regarding potentially acquiring the site and the specific terms for this.
Photo: Group photo of the MoU and LOI signing for the former V&B site in Merzig.
©MWIDE/C.S.
