In coordination with the Ministry of Culture and Sciences (MKW) of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Fachhochschule Dortmund has prepared further detailed assessments of its space requirements in recent months. Forecast data for the year 2034 has also been compiled in a "mass study" required for this purpose. The results of these complex investigations are now available: In the university's view, the location at the port remains very attractive, but does not offer the space potential required for secure long-term accommodation.
"We have assessed the port as very suitable for bringing our UAS together in one location," explains Rector Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel. "However, the results of the detailed investigations now show that the location does not offer the flexibility and development potential required. In view of the dynamic development of the university landscape, these are essential criteria."
Fachhochschule Dortmund continues to pursue the goal of bundling all of its offerings at one location. The university management is now concentrating on locating at its equally attractive campus on Emil-Figge-Straße in order to leverage the potential for its university of the future. "In terms of university strategy, it is crucial that we concentrate the university's work in one location," emphasizes the Rector. "The proximity to the TU offers the best conditions for joint exchange in research and knowledge transfer."
A single-location solution is desirable for the Fachhochschule Dortmund and the city of Dortmund for several reasons: interdisciplinary networking requires short distances for the transfer of knowledge between research and application. It creates synergies in terms of space requirements and is therefore sustainable and conserves resources. In addition, the bundling at one location creates free space for the urban development of Dortmund. This benefits the people of the city.
Constant exchange
As announced, Fachhochschule Dortmund had developed the core elements of the University Location Development Plan (HSEP) by the end of the first quarter of 2024. The university was in constant communication with contacts at both municipal and state level. In coordination with the MKW, the findings of the HSEP resulted in the further task of developing a "mass study" with a view to the university's foreseeable long-term space requirements.
The intensive work prioritized by the university management shortened the evaluation time so that the process for the urban development plan procedure for the port could be carried out unhindered. Prof. Appel: "My thanks go to MKW, the team and all those involved for this process, which was implemented more quickly than usual, because it was always important to us not to hold up any decisions by the city."
Fachhochschule Dortmund will now continue to work with MKW and Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb (BLB) NRW to examine the options for where the university can be housed in the future, taking into account its long-term space and development requirements. The aim is to carry out a comparative economic feasibility study of the possible alternatives as soon as possible.
Statements
"Relocating the Fachhochschule Dortmund to Dortmund's city harbor was a very attractive option. It is therefore all the more regrettable that the University of Applied Sciences has now determined that a single-location solution cannot be realized there. Nevertheless, I am very grateful that the review could be completed so quickly. The City of Dortmund has quickly gained clarity and can continue to pursue the original plans for the city harbor smoothly. Together with the University of Applied Sciences, we will now determine whether the goal of a single-location solution in the immediate vicinity of the TU can be implemented. I am certain that this solution will make the science location in Fachhochschule Dortmund even more attractive and that the exchange and transfer of knowledge between Fachhochschule Dortmund and TU will benefit."
Ina Brandes, Minister for Culture and Science of the State of NRW
"We are in close contact with those involved in the project in order to create the best possible conditions for both universities for a shared future on one campus. The Studierendenwerk facilities there (e.g. canteen, halls of residence or BAföG counseling) are already contact points for students at both universities. The location of Fachhochschule Dortmund would certainly also benefit from the cooperation between Fachhochschule Dortmund and TU in research, teaching and transfer."
Prof. Dr. Manfred Bayer, Rector of TU Dortmund University