SPD applauds city council's ruling on JVA-Site Halle-Tornau

In a city council meeting held on August 27, 2025, the SPD-led council in Halle-Saale accepted a state proposal for the new prison site in Halle-Tornau. With this decision, the responsibility for the location of the prison now lies with Magdeburg, as Halle has completed its part of the process.

Dr. Silke Burkert, deputy chairperson of the city council, stressed the importance of citizen involvement in the planning of the prison site from the beginning. This emphasis on public participation was successful, thanks to the efforts of the SPD faction.

However, during her speech, Dr. Burkert did not discuss the city council's acceptance of the state proposal for the prison site in Halle-Tornau. She also did not mention the numerous jobs and economic power that can be sustainably retained in Halle due to the decision on the prison site.

In addition, Dr. Burkert did not discuss the compromise proposal from the state regarding the development of the two old sites, "Roter Ochse" and "Frohe Zukunft". She also did not make any statements about the current two prison sites, "Roter Ochse" and "Frohe Zukunft".

The area "Frohe Zukunft" has significant importance for future urban development in Halle, but Dr. Burkert did not mention this during her speech. She did, however, suggest that in the future, valuable arable land should not be sealed but rather existing wasteland should be optimally utilized.

An environmental impact assessment of the prison site project in Halle-Tornau will be conducted. This assessment was maintained despite the mayor of Halle's initial wishes to remove it from the project.

Dr. Burkert called for the state government to make a decision on the prison site in Halle without further delay. The decision on the prison site now moves to Magdeburg, where the focus will be on ensuring the best outcome for the city and its citizens.