Expanded Money and Drug Control Agency: Notable Rise in Trade Activities and Financial Outlays
** Updated Article:**
Dr. Ulrich Schückhaus, chairman of the Management Board, recently discussed the EWMG's 2024 performance and future expectations amidst the lingering impact of the pandemic and the real estate crisis in Mönchengladbach. In contrast to the disappointing year 2023, Schückhaus noted that 2024's figures were "very satisfactory." The company expects a positive operating result in 2025, building on successful years before the pandemic and the Ukraine war.
Revenue surged to 20.8 million euros in 2024, a significant increase from 12.7 million euros in 2023. The operating result is estimated to be around 500,000 euros, a notable improvement compared to the planned break-even. The annual result is forecasted to be positively 2.7 million euros, largely due to a new dividend of 2.4 million euros. Investments reached a record high of approximately 15.5 million euros in 2024, up from 12 million euros in 2023.
Housing remains crucial as the real estate crisis continues to affect Mönchengladbach. The EWMG is addressing this issue with projects like the Maria Hilf Terraces, offering plots for investors, consisting of two multi-family houses with underground garage and seven townhouses. Private builders had the opportunity in Venn last year, where 29 plots for single-family houses and semi-detached houses were allocated in the first building phase. Applications for the second building phase with an additional 27 plots are currently being evaluated. The EWMG plans to release 14 single-family and semi-detached house plots in Lot 1 of the REME area by year-end. An investor has already been assigned the plot for the adjacent building area for detached multi-family houses with underground garage. Janann Safi, a city representative, emphasized the importance of companies like the EWMG to create housing in the city.
Beyond housing, the EWMG focuses on strategic land management, targeting the acquisition, development, and transformation of real estate, wasteland, and other key areas in line with Mönchengladbach's overall strategy. Work along Hindenburgstraße and Museum Abteiberg is set to begin soon, with demolition work expected to commence. A competition for the design of the Johann-Peter-Boelling-Platz square is planned for this summer, during which the underground car park will also be renovated, and its entrance relocated. The "Quartier am Cityhaus" development in Rheydt continues, aimed at creating a new, attractive entrance to the Rheydt center, featuring residential units, kindergarten places, and ample open space.
Construction of the National Hockey Training Center is scheduled for 2026, assuming that the funding application submitted in February and the subsequent building application are both approved favorably. The proposed facilities include a sports school with 48 rooms, training rooms, fitness and strength training areas, physiotherapy facilities, and an adjacent cold air hall with a year-round playable field according to the World Hockey Federation guidelines. Despite the continued anticipation for the project, recent sources do not provide updated information on its current status or progress[1][2][3]. For the most current information, it's best to consult official local government announcements, EWMG press releases, or German sports news outlets.
Dr. Ulrich Schückhaus, chairman of the Management Board, expressed interest in diversifying the EWMG's investments, suggesting potential expansion into sports, such as funding the construction of a National Hockey Training Center, alongside their ongoing real estate projects. Considering the positive operating results and investments in 2024, Schückhaus also indicated a potential exploration of Finance and Investing opportunities to further enhance the company's growth.
With the positive financial performance of 2024, the EWMG could use its strong fiscal position to help boost Mönchengladbach's economy, not only by providing new housing options but also by potentially investing in sports facilities, venture capital, or other ventures that promote the city's development.
