What is the big deal about 1. FC Köln's Geißbockheim expansion?

In the latest attempt to be able to try and win over the local council to allow 1. FC Köln to expand their training facilities, the infamous Südkurve from the club has issued a statement. 

How did this begin?

On the 3rd April 2024, it was announced officially by the club that their current training ground “Geissbockheim” would be their permanent home for the foreseeable future. 

Due to the historical and emotional connections with this training area, the decision was received positively by many fans. 

This is especially true as the alternative solutions of moving their training area would have resulted in an unfavourable location and further distances for many to travel. 

However, the main issue surround any expansions and work surrounding the pitches and the training compound is that the area (named the Grüngürtel (green belt)) is one protected by the local area due to its natural beauty which makes any expansions within it very tough. 

Therefore, the response to proposed changes by the club has been one of rejection.

The response

On Saturday against Freiburg in the Müngersdorfer stadium, Köln fans were seen protesting within the Südkurve with their banners against the local council of the city Köln and the city mayor in order to try and provoke a change in mind. 

Today, the Südkurve has written its formal response on its website and it reads:

“First of all, we would like to briefly outline the situation. The plans for the expansion of the Geißbockheim include three large and four small lawn pitches, a junior performance center, additional parking space and a shed for the management of the new places. All new lawns are to become natural grass pitches. Excluding the shed, the remaining infrastructure is created on an already sealed area.”

It was added that: “According to the opponents of the expansion, the few square meters for the shed represent the so serious intervention in the environment. So far probably the reason for the stop of the expansion projects in the public perception. Finally, however, it did not fail for this reason, but because in the development plan the four small lawn courts were declared as a public green area instead of a sports area. Since the political majorities in the Cologne City Council have changed in the meantime, there is no political will to correct this declaration. Ergo, the expansion project is on hold. That's it.”