Courageously closing the wasteland to the public park
(Brandenburg)
Source: Stadt Luckenwalde
In the last few years, the City of Luckenwalde (pop. 21,200) has had to fight against functional weaknesses and a loss of importance in the inner city. This is due to the demographic and economic-structural change and the associated decreases in purchasing and economic power. As a result of the negative effect of the centrally sited wasteland on the quality of living accommodation in the inner city, the problems in the surround area have been reinforced.
The Nuthepark directly adjoins the "Boulevard". The shopping mile in the Luckenwalde inner city. For ten years there was a roughly 2,000 sq.m. wasteland between this important inner city park and the pedestrian zone. This was seen by the population as an inner city "disgrace".
Source: Stadt Luckenwalde
The City of Luckenwalde had tried unsuccessfully for ten years to find an investor and an inner city use for the development of the wasteland. As a result, it sought a creative temporary solution which leaves subsequent options open. The area between the Nuthepark and the pedestrian zone should temporarily be used publicly and at same time fit into the townscape.
The temporary use is made possible as a result of a contract with the owner. It contains regulations regarding the possible temporary use as public park and an annual, symbolic lease. In addition, the owner has the option of developing the property if necessary.
A designed green space has been created as a resting and meeting place for all residents of the city, but especially for youths and families. The green space has been integrated into the permanent path network as a link between the Nuthepark and the Boulevard. Rows of trees have been planted such that they can remain in the event of subsequent development. Other decorative plantings can be implemented without much effort. The heart is formed by the beach volleyball court, which has developed into an attraction for young people. During the design, it was ensured that the "Remise", a protected ruin of a former brewery, was included. Furniture and lighting are oriented towards the elements of the newly designed Nuthepark. A concept for designing the empty site was devised by the Civil Engineering Office. As a result, many aspects of the discussion with local stakeholders could be taken into consideration.
Various regional companies have provided materials and equipment or have given financial support. For example, sponsorship was acquired for trees, benches donated and the furniture largely provided by the manufacturing companies at special prices. Through URBAN II, the work of up to 20 social welfare recipients on the site was financed.
Businesses became involved in the project under the umbrella or of "Stadtmarketingverein Luckenwalde" (Luckenwalde City Marketing Association), which was founded in 1996, and through an "inner city management" established specially for the inner city. The Luckenwalde inner city management was installed in autumn 2002 within the framework of the community initiative URBAN II. The chair was held by the mayor. In addition, various stakeholders were involved, such as a grammar school and sports clubs.
On 4 July 2003, the area was opened to the public at an opening ceremony. The "disgrace" has become an attractive public park which is greatly welcomed by the population. The newly acquired visible qualities have further strengthened the residents' identification with the city.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1993 – 2002 | Unsuccessful attempts to remove the empty site |
| 2002 | Contract with the owner for the temporary use as a public green space |
| Dec. 2002 – Feb. 2003 | Creation of the design idea |
| Feb. 2003 – July 2003 | Implementation of the project |
| July 2003 | Opening of the public park |
Source: Stadt Luckenwalde
The City of Luckenwalde has upgraded an inner city wasteland through temporary use. Without great financial cost and without change of ownership, the "disgrace" has been replaced with a pedestrian area. With the realisation as a public green space with a beach volleyball court, a public meeting place has been created directly in the centre, without making future development more difficult. A particular gain from the design of this empty site is the sense of community enjoyed, which formed from the project and which radiates to other projects.
The financing and realisation of the project must also be highlighted. In particular, the assistance from groups of stakeholders from the economy and the residents, sponsorships, work by residents and the involvement of social welfare recipients contributed to the success. As a result of the stakeholders' cooperation, a serious urban disgrace was rapidly removed and the inner city was enhanced.
The projekt site ist to be found at postal code: 14943 - town: Luckenwalde - street: Breite Straße 13.
Record inserted on 17.09.2008 by the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) within the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BBR).
Last update: 17.08.2009