Olympia Hamburg: Bewerbung, Abstimmung und Chancen für die Hansestadt

Why is OTTO WULFF clearly supporting Hamburg’s bid for the Olympics?
Stefan Wulff: In my view, an Olympic bid is a real opportunity for Hamburg. The Games could provide a significant boost for the city, particularly through investments in infrastructure and housing construction.
Of course, as a construction company, we also hope to be involved in related projects. However, that is not the main reason for our support. A successful bid offers Hamburg the opportunity to reposition itself internationally and be perceived as a modern and forward-looking metropolis. We should seize this opportunity as a city and as a society.

What advantages and opportunities do you see for urban development?
Wulff: In my view, Hamburg’s urban development will benefit greatly. We will need additional hotel capacity and, looking ahead, will have to create more housing, as this need exists regardless of the Olympics. I can therefore well imagine that, by taking a holistic approach as part of the Olympic bid, we’ll also be able to address the urgently needed new issues in urban development. Furthermore, investment in sports facilities will strengthen recreational sports—and all citizens of our city will benefit from that.

Do you see any risks as well?
Wulff: Of course, risks cannot be ignored. A key issue is the city’s financial commitment. With a project of this magnitude, it’s difficult to weigh the costs against the benefits, and in the end, there’s always a certain degree of uncertainty.
In the long term, Hamburg will definitely be perceived much more positively on the international stage. Hosting the Olympic Games will attract extensive investment and increase the city’s appeal to companies looking to set up operations in Hamburg. The airport will likely become more attractive for international air traffic.
Not only will the city of Hamburg benefit, but so will the metropolitan region. This will then have a ripple effect on many other areas of life. Of course, the financial burden is immense—as we’ve seen in Paris and other cities—but I expect that, thanks to the numerous positive effects, the net result will ultimately be positive.

Critics warn that projects like the Olympics impose high costs on local governments, but the added value doesn’t reach the general public. How should we approach this so that everyone benefits from such a massive undertaking?
Wulff: Hamburg has the great opportunity to draw on many existing sports facilities. This means that new large-scale construction sites won’t spring up everywhere; instead, the existing public transit network will be further developed and improved. An additional subway line, for example, could connect neighborhoods that aren’t yet optimally served and create real long-term value. Many sports venues are relatively close to one another and easily accessible. If major competitions take place at Grasbrook, for example, existing arenas like the Volksparkstadion, other established sports venues, and indoor swimming pools can be easily integrated into the event. The proximity to Kiel for water sports is also a clear locational advantage. We as a city will benefit from this—I am one hundred percent certain of that.

In your view, what role do the Olympics play in Hamburg’s international image?
Wulff: The Olympics would noticeably change Hamburg’s international image. We Hamburgers often believe that our city already has a strong global presence, but in reality, it seems that the city’s residents hold a different view on this than the rest of the world. I believe we can now bridge this gap. Then Hamburg will come even more into the international spotlight than before.

What responsibility do companies have in such large-scale projects?
Wulff: One thing is clear: Everyone involved in this project must deliver and meet these tight deadlines. But this is also an opportunity—an opportunity for all stakeholders, including the public administration. We sometimes suffer from lengthy approval processes and from the fact that things aren’t moving forward. I believe there will be a different kind of collaboration, and under pressure, people will react in a much more goal-oriented way.

What expertise or experience does OW bring to the table?
Wulff: As a construction partner in the city, we’re naturally the ideal choice. We bring everything that’s needed: technical know-how, infrastructure expertise, residential construction, as well as the renovation and modernization of existing facilities. We have expertise in urban development and project development that we can contribute. In addition, through FMHH, we can also oversee, administer, and manage the properties that are being built.

The Olympics always create a wide variety of infrastructure: Do you see greater opportunities for project development or for construction at OTTO WULFF?
Wulff: I actually see greater opportunities in construction, because a great deal needs to be built very quickly. We’ll certainly play a role there if the bid is ultimately successful. But first, everyone has to participate in the public referendum. That’s the first step. After that, we’ll have to vote “yes” together if we’re in favor of the Olympics.