Since July 2023, the Studierendenwerk Niederbayern/Oberpfalz (STWNO) has been offering students 36 modern places to live on the site of the former Nibelungenkaserne barracks, in close proximity to the university and OTH Regensburg. On 27 October 2025, the publicly subsidised ‘Fort-Skelly-Straße’ residential complex was officially opened.
Grand opening with guests from politics and academia
At a brunch in the historic columned hall, which now serves as a common room, Christian Bernreiter, Bavarian Minister of State for Housing, Construction and Transport, Thomas Burger as representative of the City of Regensburg, Ralph Schneider, President of OTH Regensburg, and Doreen Steudte, Managing Director of STWNO, welcomed the invited guests.
In his speech, Minister Bernreiter emphasised the importance of affordable housing for students: the Free State of Bavaria had subsidised the conversion with around 2.2 million euros. This, he said, was helping to provide young people in Bavaria with good study conditions.
Significance for Regensburg as a university location
For Ralph Schneider, the opening is a clear signal for the future viability of the science location:
‘The new residential complex improves study conditions in Regensburg and creates urgently needed living space. Due to its proximity to the campus, it is also a place of encounter, learning and cultural diversity – entirely in line with our university development plan.’
Thomas Burger also emphasised the urban significance of the project: the neighbourhood around Fort Skelly Street combines living, education and innovation – with its proximity to TechBase, OTH Regensburg and numerous service facilities.
From barracks building to modern residential complex
The building has had an eventful history: built during the Nazi era as anti-aircraft barracks, later used by the US armed forces as ‘Fort Skelly’ and then by the German armed forces, the site was transferred to the city of Regensburg in 2011. In 2018, the University of Regensburg acquired the building and leased it to STWNO, which took over the renovation. Following an architectural competition in 2019, the Neumann & Heinsdorff Architekten firm carried out the conversion.
A small exhibition in the entrance area now commemorates the barracks' eventful history with historical photos and texts. It was created with the help of students and shows how the past, learning and life are connected in this place.
Listed building living with community spirit
The residential complex comprises 24 single apartments, several shared and family apartments, and spacious communal areas. The centrepiece is the light-flooded portico on the ground floor, which serves as a meeting place and event venue. A terrace in front of the building, connected to the green inner courtyard, creates additional space for socialising.
The conversion of the historic building into a modern student residence is a prime example of the transformation of the Nibelungenkaserne – from a former military site to a centre for education, innovation and student life.
The construction costs amounted to around 14.8 million euros. The project was supported by a non-interest-bearing construction loan from the Free State of Bavaria. Managing Director Doreen Steudte emphasised the special nature of the project: ‘Combining monument preservation, modern architecture and student living was a challenging task that could only be accomplished through the cooperation of many partners.’
Contribution to the attractiveness of the study location
With the new residential complex, the student union is strengthening the attractiveness of Regensburg as a university location. Students from OTH Regensburg and the University of Regensburg alike benefit from the proximity to the campus, the modern facilities and the special historical ambience.
