Managing Director Tenure: Oliver Brügge in Zanders Developpementsgesellschaft mbH, spanning 100 days
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach, the city is embarking on an ambitious project to convert the former industrial site of Zanders into a vibrant, sustainable urban district. This transformation, one of the first large-scale post-fossil conversions in North Rhine-Westphalia, is set to mark a significant milestone in the region's urban development.
The Zanders area, historically an industrial site, is undergoing a continuous transformation into an urban quarter. This transition is rooted in the principles of reuse and redevelopment, aiming to create a lively city district within Bergisch Gladbach.
A key aspect of this project is the establishment of a sustainable energy infrastructure. A market exploration is underway, inviting companies interested in participating in the sustainable energy supply system for the new district. This underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability and post-fossil energy.
Before the complete redevelopment, the site is subject to interim uses and phased developments. Regular guided tours and engagement activities keep the public informed and connected with the project’s progress. The site also serves as a testbed for innovative urban redevelopment and reuse ideas.
The refurbished "Alte Zentralwerkstatt" will serve as a first important meeting point in the new quarter. Plans for the building, the excellence module for vocational training, and the use of the former canteen and communications building ("Forum") as a city library are underway. A strategic partner is being sought for a sustainable heat and cold supply system for the Zanders area.
Oliver Brügge, with his demonstrated expertise and dedication in complex interrelations of the conversion, has been secured for the Zanders project. His vision for Zanders is for it to become an attractive meeting point for everyone in the city. The building application for the old central workshop is expected to be submitted in the next months.
The project group Zanders-Areal has prepared a feasible urban planning concept, and the focus is now on creating a concrete specialized planning. Businesses from the creative industry, start-ups in digitalization and AI, small craft workshops, owner-managed gastronomy, and small-scale retail are anticipated for the Zanders area.
Around 3,000 apartments are planned for the Zanders site, but it will take at least three years until parts of the site are ready for construction. Oliver Brügge envisions a socially mixed, lively quarter for residents of all ages and income levels at Zanders. The Gleispark is scheduled to open latest by next spring.
This project is the flagship conversion project in the Bergisches RheinLand region under the REGIONALE 2025 initiative. It emphasizes ecological, social, and economic sustainability, seeking to achieve a vibrant, energy-efficient urban quarter with high-quality life. The plan is actively progressing with support from state-level funding and continues to incorporate new ideas for sustainable urban living.
As the project moves forward, the transformation of the Zanders area is set to bring about a new era of sustainable urban development in Bergisch Gladbach.
Investors and businesses in the finance sector are encouraged to consider participating in the sustainable energy supply system of the Zanders project, a significant urban development venture in Bergisch Gladbach. The project, aiming to create a lively, energy-efficient city district, offers potential for real-estate investments within the new quarter. Moreover, the Zanders area, being positioned as the flagship conversion project in the Bergisches RheinLand region, presents a unique opportunity for businesses involved in creative industries, digitalization, and AI.
