Expanding the base for a broader recycling center in Hiltrup, the city takes root in this initiative.

In a significant development, the city of Münster and BASF Coatings have agreed to a land swap deal. As part of the agreement, the chemical conglomerate will take ownership of the previous site of the recycling centre on Glasuritstraße, while the city will acquire a plot of land on Hansestraße from BASF Coatings.

This move paves the way for the construction of a larger, more modern recycling centre in Hiltrup. Arno Minas, the city's property commissioner, stated that the land swap will drive forward several positive developments in the area.

The new recycling centre will boast extended opening hours and a focus on reuse and recycling. However, no new details about its larger size or specific plans were revealed. Dr. Daniel Baumkötter, technical manager of Münster's waste management department, plans to present the rough planning with a cost estimate as soon as possible this year.

Meanwhile, BASF Coatings will be using the Glasuritstraße site for an unspecified project. Despite this, no name for the project was disclosed in the official statement.

In return for the land swap, BASF Coatings will create an ecological compensation for the use of the Silbersee on its site. Additionally, the company will receive an ecological compensation area on Vogelstange, in case the "Silbersee" sandpit is used for operational purposes.

Moreover, BASF Coatings has the option to expand its site in Hiltrup, with potential for additional activities beyond paints and coatings. The zoning plan for BASF Coatings' site in Hiltrup has been amended to accommodate these possibilities.

Arno Minas also mentioned that the green area on Vogelstange, which will serve as the ecological compensation, has been used sparingly so far. The city plans to upgrade this area to a wetland habitat with a bat habitat.

The city's urban property management department and BASF Coatings have concluded the corresponding land contracts, marking the end of a significant negotiation process. The details of these contracts, however, remain undisclosed.

This land swap marks a significant step forward in the development of Münster and BASF Coatings' respective projects in Hiltrup. As more details emerge, the community looks forward to seeing the progress and benefits that these developments will bring.