Fight for cultural pub Watt: Prenzlauer Berg in great danger!

Fight for cultural pub Watt: Prenzlauer Berg in great danger!

In Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg there is currently a violent dispute over the "Watt" cultural pub, which is about to close. The rental agreement for the traditional bar expires in September 2025, and an extension is not in sight. The pub that has existed for over 100 years offers a central point of contact for numerous people who have different professions and backgrounds. "Watt" was founded in 1922 by August Lehmann, and since 2015 the landlady Sindy Klischen has been running the business, where she has noticed the cultural offer noticeably. The pub is known for its free events such as concerts, readings and film evenings as well as for their low drink prices. The family atmosphere attracts a wide audience and makes "watts" a lively part of the neighborhood culture.

But the real estate market creates tensions. Rental prices are increasing, and reports that over 50 euros per square meter are now required in the neighborhood. This creates a broad resistance: politicians, artists and residents are merging to counter the impending displacement. The initiative "Save culture pub Watt!" even launched a petition and organizes demonstrations to put pressure on the homeowners, but previously refused to enter into negotiations. Klaus Lederer, formerly cultural senator, is concerned about the loss of such cultural places in Prenzlauer Berg.

A reflection of urban changes

The situation around "Watt" is characteristic of the challenges that many cultural institutions are facing in the city. Gentrification and displacement have been topics that shape the Berlin real estate market for years. More and more long -standing residents are facing rising rental prices, while demand is increasing in many districts, especially through young people and creative people who flock to the city. These developments have led to an upgrading of some areas and thus significantly reduce the quality of stay for long -term residents.

The initiative attaches great importance to solidarity with other facilities that are also affected by closings. "Watt" has established itself as a solvent and reliable employer and is an important part of cultural history in Prenzlauer Berg, a former workers' district. Under the motto "Retting Watt", the initiative plans to offer a colorful program in the coming months to emphasize the value of the pub and the need for their preservation.

Together against displacement

those responsible for the "Culture pub Watt!" Initiative! " Hope that they can still persuade the owners to talk to the future of "watts". However, experience shows that the pressure on cultural institutions in Berlin is increasing and that a rethink in urban planning is required. Political measures to contain excessive rent increases and the promotion of affordable living space are urgently necessary to preserve the city's cultural heritage and to reduce social tensions.

“Watt” remains not only a symbol of cultural exchange and sense of community, but also an example of the fight against the displacement, which threatens many Berlin neighborhoods. How it goes on remains exciting, but one thing is certain: here the nerves are bare and it is much more than just a pub.

Further information about the situation about "watt" and possible support offers can be found on the pages of the initiatives and in various local reports. The birthplace of many creative events is more dependent on solidarity in the current situation.

For more details, also read: MOZ href = "https://initiative-watt-tretten.de/"> initiative watt save , and Berlin intensive .