Development in the regeneration areas along Zwickauer Straße
Section of the road to be redesigned – former manor park to be upgraded
Further measures will be implemented in the regeneration areas along Zwickauer Straße by 2032. These are designed to enhance public spaces and support private building renovations, the acquisition of land for project implementation, further conceptual development, and area management by a regeneration body. In addition, building owners can benefit from tax write-offs when carrying out modernisation work within the regeneration area.
Former Rittergutspark to be revitalised
Rittergutspark, including the Zinnteich, once formed part of the Schönau Rittergut estate. Today, the green space is, in places, heavily overgrown and is of little use. However, the site offers great potential for local recreation in the Schönau district. As a first step, the Zinnteich was dredged by spring.
At a workshop in April 2026, the City of Chemnitz and the architectural practice Querfeldeins presented the current plans for the regeneration of the Rittergut Park. Several design options for the Rittergutsufer, Rittergutswäldchen and Platz am Zinnteich areas were discussed. Further planning will now focus on a combination of the various options. The aim is to develop near-natural open spaces, improve the park’s usability and integrate it into the surrounding green spaces along the Kappelbach.
Construction work on the site will be completed by the end of 2027. At the same time, a number of Park & Ride spaces are to be created in the immediate vicinity.
Redesign of Zwickauer Straße between Schillstraße and Am Feldschlößchen
The redesign of this iconic street is a key project in the area. Following several public consultation processes and the ‘Zukunftsforum’ in 2024, planning for the redesign of Zwickauer Straße began. This was followed by consultations with utility providers, and a feasible section between Schillstraße and Am Feldschlößchen was identified.
On 1 July 2026, Chemnitz City Council approved the comprehensive redevelopment of Zwickauer Straße (B-080/2026). In several construction phases, the road cross-section is to be modified by mid-2028, thereby improving the quality of the public space and creating cycle lanes on both sides, accessible public transport stops and safe crossing points. Newly planted street trees on both sides of the road are intended to mitigate the effects of climate change by providing shade and improving air quality. In the area around the tram museum, a narrow-gauge museum track is to be constructed over a length of around 130 metres and integrated into the carriageway.
Establishment of a discretionary fund
In April, a discussion session was held at the Garagen-Campus for interested parties on the topics of the discretionary fund and pocket parks. The establishment of a discretionary fund for the implementation of small-scale projects in the Zwickauer Straße regeneration and development area is set to begin before the end of 2026. This fund is a tool for supporting smaller projects and initiatives in the neighbourhood. It provides small grants to help ideas and initiatives from residents, associations and local groups be implemented quickly and easily. This helps to strengthen community-led development and encourage personal initiative.
Funding is available for small projects that improve the living environment, strengthen community spirit or enhance the neighbourhood’s appeal. They are financed 50 per cent from urban development funds and 50 per cent from third-party funding, such as personal contributions, donations or other contributions. A local committee from the neighbourhood is to be formed to decide on these matters. Once the fund has been set up, further information on how to apply will be available via the website for the Zwickauer Straße area.
Background:
In 2022, following two years of intensive analysis, public consultation and planning, Chemnitz City Council approved the framework for the development of the regeneration and support area on Zwickauer Straße. The urban development framework plan, specific action plans and the allocation of funds in the City of Chemnitz’s budget have enabled the Zwickauer Straße area to form part of the urban development funding programme ‘Growth and Sustainable Regeneration’ (WEP) and the ‘Sustainable Integrated Urban Development ERDF 2021–2027’ programme. The Federal Government, the Free State of Saxony and the European Union, together with the City of Chemnitz, are thus supporting public and private investment in the area.
The following projects and measures have already been implemented with funding from the City of Chemnitz and private owners:
- Refurbishment of the Garagen-Campus, Zwickauer Straße 164, one of the key intervention sites for Chemnitz 2025 – European Capital of Culture,
- barrier-free access from the tram stop to the Garagen-Campus site,
- creation of a new play and leisure area at Am Feldschlößchen,
- refurbishment of the foundry hall into an events hall (red-brick building along Lützowstraße) at the dieFabrik Chemnitz site, Zwickauer Straße 145,
- Master planning for the regeneration of the Rittergut Park,
- Land acquisition for the development of the Rittergut Park,
- Area management and engagement with property owners by the City of Chemnitz’s regeneration body, Westsächsische Gesellschaft für Stadterneuerung mbH (WGS), in collaboration with the StadtWohnen agency, as well as
- support for small businesses in the area.
The projects are funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the federal-state programme ‘Growth and Sustainable Renewal’ (WEP), and the City of Chemnitz’s own resources.
Further information on the Zwickauer Straße regeneration areas can be found at
