Institute for Tropical Medicine to be modernised

Science Ministry and Sprinkenhof sign Letter of Intent for the renovation of the Bernhard Nocht Institute

Since 1914, the renowned Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) has been housed in a clinker brick building designed by Fritz Schumacher in a central location above Hamburg's Landungsbrücken. The three-part ensemble is getting on in years: The old institute building is now to be comprehensively renovated and this is to be combined with a new research building. Minister Katharina Fegebank and Minister Dr Andreas Dressel have signed a letter of intent for the project together with Sprinkenhof.

The picture shows from left to right Martin Görge (Sprinkenhof), Katharina Fegebank (Science Minister) and Dr Andreas Dressel (Finance Minister) signing the Letter of Intent. Ms Fegebank looks up with a smile while the others are still writing. In front of her is a colourful flower arrangement.

©BNITM | Julia Rauner

The first step is to develop a spatial and functional programme. In addition, the urban development boundary conditions are to be clarified with the participation of the Chief Building Director and the Office for the Protection of Historical Monuments at the location. The building project will be implemented in the tenant-landlord-tenant model (MVM). The start of construction is planned for 2025/2026.

Katharina Fegebank, Minister for Science: "The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine is one of the world's leading institutions in the field of tropical and emerging infections. Its expertise is indispensable both nationally and internationally to protect against global health crises. In order to maintain the world-class level of this research institute, we must also ensure that the working and laboratory conditions meet these demands. In the coming years, we will comprehensively renovate the main building and construct a suitable new research building, thus further advancing the development of Hamburg as a research location."

Andreas Dressel, Minister of Finance: "With the agreement signed today, we are heralding the extensive modernisation of the BNITM. There is still a long way to go until completion, but it is already clear that this world-renowned research facility will then be completely renovated and meet the highest structural standards. The total volume of this measure, which is to be financed jointly with the federal government and realised in a tenant-lessee model, will become more concrete in the course of the planning, but will certainly be in the order of 200 million € - a major project in a very challenging time for public building, everyone is aware of that. With Sprinkenhof, which belongs to the financial authority, we have a company at our side that is experienced in research construction in order to realise this complex project step by step. Good luck to all involved!"

The picture shows from left to right Martin Görge, Katharina Fegebank, Andreas Dressel and Jürgen May. They are bending over a historical book about the BNITM from 1914. — After signing the letter of intent ©BNITM | Julia Rauner

Martin Görge, Managing Director Sprinkenhof GmbH: "Having realised several new research buildings in Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld, Sprinkenhof is now taking on another complex construction project for BWFGB: renovate the existing building and realise a new building for the renowned BNITM - all while maintaining ongoing research and science operations. We are looking forward to starting with the creation of the planning foundations and to supporting the strengthening of Hamburg as a science location with this project."

Prof. Dr Jürgen May, Chairman of the Board of Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin: "The BNITM is one of the world's leading research institutions in the field of tropical and emerging infectious diseases. The size and tasks of the institute have grown continuously in recent years, so that we now have 400 permanent employees dedicated to global health issues. I am very pleased that the city now wants to take this into account and that our prospects of renovating the old building and expanding the space have taken an important step forward."