Explore the Future: An Awe-Inspiring Journey Spanning Four Days in Zanders Region
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach, transformative days unfold at the former paper mill site. The project, named "REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand," marks its beginning with a citizen forum and the subsequent REGIONALE congress, commencing a 15-month period of unveiling plans for the area's redevelopment.
The initial event took place on May 10, 2025, featuring the citizen forum where citizens gained insights into the current progress of the Zanders site revitalization. Over 500 attendees seized the opportunity to discuss the upcoming steps towards a new city district with the project team, architects, and planners.
Mayor Frank Stein expressed his excitement about the site's development prospects and the progress made since the withdrawal of the insolvency administration and the opening of the "Mainstreet" in May 2024. He highlighted that the decision to take control of the project's conversion by buying the site was crucial for shaping its future growth. The sections of the site once closed to the public are now accessible, and key decisions have been made within the past year, including the advancement of plans for the "Alte Zentralwerkstatt" and "Gleispark" projects. The Zanders Development Company GmbH was established, and the development planning has started in collaboration with Albert Speer + Partner.
The following day, May 11, 2025, transformation took center stage once more with the debut of the international literature festival lit.COLOGNE in the Bergisches region. Over 300 attendees captivated by bestselling author Volker Kutscher and psychologist Stephan Grünewald's discussions about transformation's impacts on site inhabitants. Both were impressed by the Zanders site's potential.
The Fachkongress "Weiter geht's!" concluded on May 12 and 13, 2025, during which experts from science, business, and politics discussed the opportunities offered by redeveloping unused areas and structures. Honored with an address by Ina Scharrenbach, Minister for Home, Local Government, Building, and Digitalization of North Rhine-Westphalia, the event launched the presentation period for REGIONALE 2025, themed "Longing for the future! People and projects in the Bergisches RheinLand." Scharrenbach highlighted the diversity and quality of the REGIONALE projects and emphasized their importance for the development of the Bergisches RheinLand.
Mayor Frank Stein expressed optimism following the eventful days filled with dialogue, positive feedback, and high interest in the development of the Zanders site. He underscored the significance of direct and continuous exchange in the continued development process. "The exchange of the past days has left a lasting impression on all involved and has fueled enthusiasm for the future."
Additional information about the project can be found on the city's homepage (https://www.unsere-webseite/projekt-zanders-areal.aspx) or on Instagram (@aufzanders).
[Sources: 1] Bergisch Gladbach official website, Projekt Zanders-Areal, https://www.unsere-webseite/projekt-zanders-areal.aspx, Accessed May 22, 2025[2] InformNachrichten, "Zanders site in Bergisch Gladbach: Sustainable urban quarter to rise," April 20, 2025, https://www.inform-nachrichten.de/region/koeln/zanders-gelande-in-bergisch-gladbach-es-steht-die-s-pruefung-58d6300195541696f143b160, Accessed May 22, 2025
The revitalization project at the Zanders site includes plans for the development of a new city district, offering insights into a potential home-and-garden lifestyle for future inhabitants. The project's development, as part of "REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand," was the subject of various events and discussions involving citizens, experts, and local officials.
