Golden Gate: Reimund Spitzer in conversation
· re:union Radio editorial · 1 min read
As part of the Tag der Clubkultur, operator Reimund Spitzer talks about Golden Gate, Deutsche Bahn as a landlord, and urban changes.
During the Tag der Clubkultur, operator Reimund Spitzer shared insights into the situation of the Berlin club Golden Gate at Jannowitzbrücke. Located directly inside the S-Bahn arches, the venue is known for its weekend events and extended afterhours.
Outdoor area and urban surroundings
The outdoor section of the venue sits on public parking spaces. Following the lifting of pandemic restrictions, official regulations required lengthy discussions with the district administration to organize usage. The exterior walls are covered in layers of street art and graffiti.
Regarding the venue's ongoing existence, Spitzer pointed to its rental contract with Deutsche Bahn:
„Da haben wir natürlich den Vorteil, dass die Bahn kein normaler Vermieter ist. Die kommen nicht auf die Idee, hier maximal viel Profit rauszuziehen, die wollen vor allem, dass ihre Züge fahren. Das ist ja schon schwierig genug“, Reimund Spitzer said.
The structure cannot be demolished and can hardly be renovated. In the immediate vicinity, a new development is planned: following an agreement between the Mitte district, the building councillor, and an investor, a 105-meter-high tower is set to be erected on a nearby empty lot.
Scene and cultural policy
Spitzer highlighted that solidarity within the Berlin club scene has increased significantly since the pandemic, with a platform like the Tag der Clubkultur, initiated under former culture senator Klaus Lederer, making this tangible. However, he expressed concern regarding proposed budget cuts in the cultural sector, stressing the importance of clubs and artists for the city.
Source: Groove
