ERFURT – A significant milestone has been reached in the redesign of central areas in Blankenhain (Weimarer Land): The interdisciplinary competition for the future urban renewal of the area encompassing the central market square, Kirchstraße, and Wirthstraße has concluded. The five-member judging panel unanimously awarded first prize to the entry submitted by Dipl.-Ing. Heike Roos, a landscape architect (BDLA) and urban planner (DASL), in collaboration with the engineering firm Katzung GmbH, Weimar. Their designs and plans will serve as the basis for the area's redevelopment in the coming years. A new construction sign, officially unveiled today, Friday, May 24, 2024, at the entrance to the area between the market square and the church, provides a preview of the project. The sign was presented in the presence of Blankenhain's Mayor Jens Kramer, LEG department head Denis Peisker, and urban planner Heike Roos.
The competition was financed by the Thuringian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Science and Digital Society; LEG Thüringenmanaged the project, and DSK Deutsche Stadt- und Grundstücksentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (Weimar office) oversaw the process. The competition forms the basis for a comprehensive revitalization project – currently, the central location near the market square and St. Severi Church is marred by dilapidated, undesigned traffic infrastructure and open spaces – an urban planning deficiency that is to be remedied through modern, contemporary redevelopment.
All submitted works can now be viewed on the upper floor of the Blankenhain town hall, Marktstraße 4, during opening hours.
background
Competition and planned renovation measures were and are being undertaken in light of the fact that Blankenhain, with its Spa & GolfResort Weimarer Land, will host the German national football team's training camp and the English national team's stay during the European Championship starting at the end of May. In connection with this significant event of considerable state political interest, which will draw significant international media attention to Blankenhain and Thuringia and form the basis for further future projects in the town, several infrastructure projects are currently being upgraded. This includes the redesign of the sports complex of FSV Grün-Weiß Blankenhain e. V., which will serve as an alternative training ground for national football teams and will also be used by the club during regular operations. Additionally, the renovation and enhancement of the castle forecourt are being carried out as part of the temporary use of the historic Blankenhain Castle as a media center.
