ERFURT – A significant milestone has been reached in the sustainable transformation of the Suhl-North area: On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, the three project partners signed a far-reaching declaration of intent in Erfurt – laying the foundation for the joint development of the Suhl-North district by the City of Suhl, the Erfurt University of Applied Sciences, and LEG Thüringen. The agreement was signed by André Knapp, Mayor of Suhl; Prof. Yvonne Brandenburger, Vice President for Research/Transfer at the Erfurt University of Applied Sciences; and Andreas Krey and Sabine Wosche, Managing Directors of LEG Thüringen. The project partners aim to jointly develop Suhl-North into a CO2-neutral district for commerce and research; key sectors to be the timber industry and photovoltaics. In the area of research, plans include establishing a long-term university curriculum in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences and creating an innovation and start-up center. Overarching goals in the form of future-oriented solutions regarding sustainable mobility, housing, climate protection and adaptation, education, and social issues will be pursued.
The entire Suhl-Nord site covers approximately 149 hectares. About a third of this area is designated for various uses. LEG has declared its willingness to assume project management for the realization of the overall project. In addition to components for education, social services, and specialized housing, the development of commercial space as well as research and development will play a key role in the revitalization of the area. The signatories of the declaration of intent view the recent announcements from the Ministry of Economic Affairs regarding the establishment of a Thuringian wood cluster, with a particular focus on the Suhl-Nord location, as a boost for future joint project work. A further key focus will be the development of the site into a research campus.
Background:
Suhl-Nord, once a residential area, was home to up to 15,000 people, but following massive emigration, vacancies, and extensive demolitions in recent years, efforts have been underway to revitalize the area. The city commissioned LEG to develop a strategic plan, which the Suhl City Council unanimously approved on May 11, 2022. This declaration of intent represents a first step toward the joint implementation of the project; based on this, initial measures for the preparation and realization of the overall project will be defined and initiated.
In the initial phase until 2027 – in which the city of Suhl is equipped with optimal funding opportunities for commercial investors – the planning basis for settlements is to be created for the transformation of Suhl-Nord and the first settlements are to be realized – in accordance with the defined individual goals in the “URK Implementation-oriented realization concept Suhl 2022 to 2040”.
The subsequent second phase, lasting until 2040, aims to stabilize the development and complete the transformation.
