A total of 15 building projects are currently being planned, two projects are already under construction, and one has been completed. Among other developments, 700 flats, more than 200 furnished apartments in particular for students, as well as commercial facilities, hotels and three underground garages are to be created here. "What has begun in Inneren Osten is a model for the revitalisation of former derelict sites and accordingly for the regeneration of an entire district", emphasises Mayor Burkhard Jung, adding: "In the medium-term this positive development will have an impact on the entire east side of the city."
Inner-city derelict sites are being developed
It is a special feature of the city that Leipzig has a large number of derelict inner-city sites. Radiating out in all directions from the centre they will gradually be developed. "From an urban planning point of view such development of derelict areas in the inner city is significantly better than new building projects on the periphery", states Burkhard Jung.
The central eastern district of the city, which also includes the Eisenbahnstraße, currently has 4,220 residents. Since 2011 the population of the area has risen by 18%. "For this reason, too, the urban planning development of the Innerer Osten district is very welcome", comments Deputy Mayor for Construction Dorothee Dubrau in presenting the selected projects. "The initial spark was provided by the city planning competition which the LWB organised in 2010 on behalf of the city for an area with the approximate size of a football field to the north and east of the Wintergarten high-rise block. This provided the framework for the competition for the new company headquarters which was implemented in 2012."
In 2015 the municipal construction and housing company entered its new HQ. Between Wintergartenstraße and Querstraße - the site of Hotel "Rom" until the Second World War - LWB has since March 2016 been constructing two buildings with 54 flats and 44 apartments, together with 8 commercial units and an underground car park.
Development of the Krystallpalast area
Currently the biggest Inneren Osten project is the development of the Krystallpalast area. On an area of 2.7 hectares between Brandenburger Straße and Wintergartenstraße a private developer is planning to construct a complex of networked apartment blocks and courtyards. The buildings will provide space for 175 flats and 164 student apartments. The plans also include a hotel, offices, service facilities, shops and restaurants.
The concept is based on a master plan created by an urban planning workshop consisting of four teams of architects and landscape architects, as well as the results of an architectural workshop with five firms of architects.
Thiemes Hof
Thiemes Hof between Czermaks Garten and Querstraße is being redeveloped. An investor is building a multi-storey residential building here. The residential and commercial building constructed in 1875 and formerly known as 'Thiemes Hof' was demolished in 2002. The building was in a derelict condition. On the basis of an agreement between the owner of the site and the city, trees and bushes were planted on the site on a temporary basis.
Bayrischer Hof
New life is to return to the Bayrischer Hof at Wintergartenstraße 13. The hotel building with three wings which was built in 1888 has stood empty for a long time. It is now to be redeveloped into a residential building with 12 flats. The building permit has already been issued.