Awaiting the long-due aesthetic enhancement
In the heart of Malchin, a historic town, a long-standing debate continues over the appearance of black shipping containers situated near the former post office. The containers, initially installed as accommodations for asylum seekers, have been a source of contention between the city administration and the building owner.
The city has expressed concerns about the aesthetic disruption caused by these containers, particularly their impact on the historic ensemble formed by the city gate and the protected post building. Over a year ago, the owner promised to adapt the containers in colour and equip them with cladding, but as of August 2025, no such changes have been observed.
In an attempt to address the issue, an addendum to the 2023 building permit was submitted for the Malchin post office. This addendum proposed the relocation of the concierge container, which will now be moved closer to the entrance gate of the post yard. However, the owner's reluctance to make necessary changes to the living containers persists.
The city continues to push for a more appealing appearance for the containers, citing the importance of preserving the town's historic charm. The relocated concierge container is a small step towards this goal, but the aesthetic disruption caused by the living containers remains unaddressed.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the containers have not caused any major incidents so far. The former Malchin post office, now serving as a community shelter, continues to provide essential services to asylum seekers.
For the latest updates on this matter, residents and visitors are advised to check local government announcements, municipal websites, or contact the Malchin post office or city administration directly. The future of the shipping containers and their impact on the historic ensemble in Malchin remains uncertain.
The shipping container owner's inaction on coloring and cladding the living containers has not aligned with the city's expectations, hindering the preservation of Malchin's historic charm in the finance and real-estate sector. Efforts to address this issue include the relocation of the concierge container, but investing in a practical solution for the aesthetic disruption caused by the living containers is yet to be seen.
