Future of Leinfelden: Citizens discuss the planned development of the commercial area

Future of Leinfelden: Citizens discuss the planned development of the commercial area

On October 2nd, an important workshop and information event on the development of the commercial area in Leinfelden took place in the Filderhalle. Committed citizens and entrepreneurs had the opportunity to actively participate in the discussion about the future of urban development. Under the motto “Leinfelden discusses the future of its center”, central aspects were discussed in two thematic tables, including the use of neighborhood garages, central parking facilities as well as local amenities and quality of stay. The event aimed to develop long-term strategies for actively shaping transformation processes in the economy and society.

The public event in the evening also offered exciting impulses from practice and research. Alexander Lenk from Robert Bosch GmbH highlighted the concept of the “open campus” and presented the Reutlingen example. In addition, Andreas Hofer from IBA’27 spoke about the “Productive City” model, which is seen as a guideline for the planned development. The planning for Leinfelden includes a holistic concept that includes the entire commercial area, the town hall area, Bahnhofstrasse and the Neuer Markt. A central goal of the planners is to realize a “jump over the tracks” in order to create a connection between the two sides of the city and combine housing, modern workplaces, nature as well as leisure and mobility.

Important impulses for urban development

As IBA’27 reports, it is seen as a central source of inspiration for the transformation of industrially used areas. The International Building Exhibitions have developed continuously since 1979 and today serve as important instruments for architectural and regional development. An example of the success of such measures is the IBA Emscher Park, which has contributed to the revitalization of industrial conversion areas. Keys to a successful development process include political will and consideration of structural and ecological issues.

The challenge of finding a balance between the demands of urban development and climate protection is also compounded by increasing land consumption. The willingness of entrepreneurs to participate is seen as crucial for the implementation of measures. Particularly in the Stuttgart region, there is also criticism of the inadequate blue infrastructure that affects access to the Neckar. Here, a lack of connection to water is perceived as a significant deficit.

Outlook and next steps

The next steps are already being planned for the city of Leinfelden. A work phase for the planning teams on the urban development center of Leinfelden is planned. The recommendation committee will evaluate the submitted work at the beginning of February, and the results of the planning teams are to be presented to the public in March 2026. The return of production to the city requires expanded planning law to meet this growing need.

An engaging citizen participation approach and the involvement of entrepreneurs are considered essential for the active design of public space. The IBA’27 has already initiated numerous projects on land policy and sustainable urban development, which can also have an important influence on the future direction of the commercial area in Leinfelden. The exchange of ideas and concepts will create the basis for sustainable and vibrant urban development.

For further information and details on the developments in Leinfelden and the IBA’27 initiatives see Leinfelden-Echterdingen and IBA’27.