"Munich Project faces significant obstacle"

The city of Munich has been planning a new wholesale market hall since 2009, but the future of the project remains uncertain following the withdrawal of the Büschl Group from the tender. The existing market hall, dating back to 1912, is in a dilapidated state and a new construction is deemed necessary.

The Büschl Group, with its architecturally and structurally clever concept for the wholesale market hall, was the only bidder for the construction and operation of the new market. However, Ralf Büschl, CEO of the Büschl Group, has announced that they have not found an end investor worldwide who wants to take over and finance the project.

This withdrawal has caused a major setback for the construction of the new wholesale market hall in Sendling, Munich. The city leadership is at a loss, with Mayor Dieter Reiter of the SPD expressing concern and calling for a thorough consideration in the next few weeks.

The city had initially planned to not operate the wholesale market hall itself, and instead, the new construction was to be financed by the City of Munich. The FDP, on the other hand, has proposed building a cultural center on the site of the new wholesale market.

Green councilor Christian Smolka has blamed the previous city government (CSU and SPD) for the fiasco and suggested discussing all options, including building the wholesale market on the outskirts of the city. The head of the CSU/Free Voters faction, Manuel Pretzl, hopes for a "Plan B" from the administration to find a future-oriented solution for the wholesale market hall.

The commissioning of the proposed wholesale market hall could be possible in 2031 if construction starts immediately. With no clear alternative bidder in sight, the future of the new wholesale market hall in Munich hangs in the balance. The city council will need to carefully consider its next steps to ensure the continued provision of a vital service for Munich's food industry.