The first accommodation under the THW construction programme has been inaugurated in Melle after a construction period of approximately one year. The new building serves the THW local chapter Melle and represents a milestone for the nationwide programme. The project was realised in cooperation with the Federal Institute for Real Estate Tasks (BImA) and the federal state building authorities, under the lead management of the Federal Building Authority Schleswig-Holstein (AfB).
The property is located on a building plot of approximately 7,800 square metres in the industrial estate of Melle. The facility comprises a building of about 1,000 square metres and a hall that provides 14 parking spaces for the THW's operational vehicles. The new building accommodates around 150 volunteers from the THW local chapter Melle. It offers adequate space for a technical platoon with two specialist groups for rescue as well as emergency supply and emergency repair, and a specialist platoon for command and communication.
Efficiency and Future Viability
THW President Sabine Lackner stated at the inauguration in Melle that strong civil protection and disaster control require a resilient and future-proof basis, which is being created by the new THW local chapters. The short construction time was attributed by Prof. Dr. Alexander von Erdély, Spokesman for the Board of BImA, to the systematised construction method. He emphasised that the THW construction programme plays a pioneering role in cost- and time-efficient federal construction.
Nationwide, around 200 THW locations have been identified where accommodation no longer meets current requirements. This affects almost a third of all THW local chapters. In a first step, 60 locations are to be newly built via a framework agreement. Additional funding provided by the federal government in early 2026 as part of the Pact for Civil Protection now enables the implementation of all approximately 200 new construction measures.
Modern Standards and Sustainability
The new THW local chapters meet current energy and environmental standards. They also offer sufficient space for the increasingly complex technical equipment and for the increased number of volunteer emergency personnel. Sabine Lackner highlighted that the THW construction programme, especially in view of changed global political circumstances, should be understood as an essential building block for a ready and resilient THW. It contributes significantly to strengthening civil protection and disaster control in Germany.
Cedrik Strüver, Regional Head of the State Building Management Region North-West, added that the new, barrier-free buildings meet the "Efficiency House 40" classification. He emphasised that climate protection and sustainability are essential aspects of the new building. The integration of heat pumps and photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the buildings and halls also increases energy independence, particularly in the event of a power outage. In addition to modern properties, effective structures, adequate training content, and new or adapted equipment are also crucial to address new threats such as failures of critical infrastructures or widespread damage in the future. This process has gained momentum through the Pact for Civil Protection in Germany.
