Bayer 04 presents new Campus plans to Monheim residents

There were many questions about the consequences of the project for the environment, climate and wildlife, the benefits for the Monheim clubs and the town, car parks and training times as well as other possible locations. Project manager Anne Dannenberg, Managing Director of the Bayer 04 subsidiary TecArena-Plus GmbH, made it clear: The new plan again minimises the impact on the neighbourhood, enhances the green spaces for flora and fauna and creates additional added value for Monheim am Rhein through new jobs, new leisure activities and new partnerships with local clubs.

"criticism taken seriously and considered"

The site belongs to Bayer AG and has the least impact on citizens, animals and the environment of all the sites examined, as Anne Dannenberg explained. "We took the criticism from parts of the Monheim political community and from citizens seriously and took it into account. In particular, we focussed on questions regarding the size of the project, environmental and animal protection, possible noise and traffic pollution as well as alternative areas in the region," said the project manager. She once again explained in detail the reasons why other areas in Monheim are not suitable for the project. These include, for example, the Seveso Directive and the protection of endangered animal species.

further significant reduction in scale

For the second time, Bayer 04 has significantly reduced the area of the campus. Originally, the club was looking for 30 hectares. In the new version, it is now only 14.7 hectares - and 10.5 training pitches instead of the original 12.5. Flora and fauna will also benefit from the changes. The open land corridor will be significantly wider compared to the original plan. It will be created and later maintained by Bayer 04. The woodland will remain and will be connected to the open land corridor. This will then be exclusively available to animals and plants. The area will no longer be used for agriculture as before.

The main benefits for the city are 150 new jobs, contracts for regional companies during the construction phase and for the long-term operation and co-operation with local sports clubs and schools. A new route for joggers, dog walkers and cyclists on the edge of the campus, created by Bayer 04 at its own expense, will provide new recreational value. The people of Monheim could also benefit from an energy co-operative and stable electricity prices as a result of the campus.

With the Bayer 04 Campus, the club wants to create a home for around 250 players. Some of these are players from the first team. The majority are young, ambitious up-and-coming players whose talent is to be developed under the best possible conditions in Monheim am Rhein. "If we are unable to build the Campus, this would have considerable consequences for the competitiveness of Bayer 04," said Anne Dannenberg.

It remains to be seen whether Monheim's politicians will approve the Bayer 04 plans. The responsible committee for climate protection and urban planning will consider the proposals on 18 June.

Further information on the planned Bayer 04 Campus can be found HERE.