The demolition work on the site of the “Neue Branitzer Baumuniversität” in the outer area of Branitz Castle Park is in full progress. In the process, 16 large greenhouses, 5 technical and storage halls as well as other operational buildings and traffic areas are being demolished on the 12.5-hectare site of a former production nursery.
Our environmental construction supervision team is also involved, monitoring compliance with environmental regulations during the demolition work. The current construction preparations have been underway since November 2023 and should be completed by the end of March 2024. The construction of the “Neue Branitzer Baumuniversität” will then follow in the second half of the year and should be completed by the end of 2025.
The dismantling was preceded by the collection of the local sand lizard population by our long-standing cooperation partner Ökoplan. In the course of this, the collected sand lizards were relocated to an upgraded replacement habitat in the spatial context of the project. This took place between April and October 2023.
With the “Neue Branitzer Baumuniversität”, the Stiftung Fürst-Pückler-Museum Park und Schloss Branitz is realising the German government’s largest model project for the preservation of historic gardens in a changing climate. The 5.5 million euro project is being funded with 5 million euros by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building. The “Neue Branitzer Baumuniversität” is a tree nursery and research centre for the testing and propagation of climate-resilient trees and shrubs and the preservation of historical varieties. For this purpose, cultivation, viewing and trial areas for woody plants as well as other infrastructure for the tree nursery will be created. Furthermore, areas are to be upgraded in terms of landscape design as well as species and climate protection – for example, by planting copses, hedges, meadows, etc. Prior to this, the greenhouses to be retained will be upgraded.
Our office as well drew up the development concept for the future design and use of the “Neue Branitzer Baumuniversität” in 2021-2022.
