Last Friday, WTM Engineers welcomed numerous guests to a joint event with the Industrieverband Hamburg e. V. (IVH) to discuss the potential of holding the Olympic Games in Hamburg.
As host, Stefan Ehmann began by emphasizing our close ties to sport: WTM Engineers has for years been involved in developing many of Hamburg’s sports facilities – from the Volksparkstadion to the Millerntor and the Alster swimming pool.
Hamburg Senator for Sports Andy Grote made it clear in his speech that the Games could have far-reaching effects for Hamburg: from a significant modernization boost for infrastructure and sports facilities to strong impulses for inclusion through the Paralympic Games.
The concluding panel discussion was moderated by André Trepoll (IVH) and featured Andy Grote, Stefan Knoblich (Hamburger Sportbund), Stefan Seils (Bursped), and Gerhard Zehetmaier (WTM Engineers), who all made one thing clear: The Olympics increases international visibility, promotes active, community-based cooperation, and offers economic potential.
Gerhard Zehetmaier emphasized that infrastructure projects can gain additional momentum through the Olympics, as the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris have impressively demonstrated. The projects required for the positive development of the greater Hamburg area, such as the new U5 underground line, the U4 extension, or urgently needed rail projects, could benefit from this and be realized more quickly.
On May 31, 2026, Hamburg will decide by referendum, and the DOSB, Germany’s Olympic Sports Confederation, will then decide on the German candidate at the end of September.
We look forward to keeping the discussion going – and to a strong shared vision for a modern, sustainable, and inclusive Hamburg.
