Paving the way for a new neighborhood in Lürrip

An elementary school, a daycare center and housing close to the city center – all age- and family-friendly and 20 to 25 percent socially subsidized. All of this is to be built in the Lürrip district, more precisely on Lot 1 of the so-called REME site. The associated development plan (B-Plan) no. 792/O was approved by the council at its meeting in mid-September. Part of the residential plots on Lot 1 will now be developed and subsequently marketed by the municipal development company (EWMG).

In the southwest, the planning area comprises the areas of the former Pollrich East production site between Lohstraße, Fleenerweg and Compesmühlenweg. In the north-east, on the other side of Compesmühlenweg, the area around the Catholic church of St. Mary’s Conception up to Neusser Straße is also included. The spatial division of the area will be characterized by an axis running from southwest to northeast. It forms a green pathway along which three parks and the social uses on the site will extend, i.e. a new elementary school, a new daycare center, the existing church uses and, if necessary, assisted living.

This axis is framed in the southern part by new residential areas with two to three-storey residential buildings. The end of the area towards Neusser Strasse and Lohstrasse is to be formed by mixed-use buildings in which, for example, small stores could be operated on the first floor to enliven the new road connection and the center of Lürrip. Depending on how many residential buildings are built as detached single-family houses, semi-detached houses or apartment buildings, between 100 and 150 residential units are possible in the plan area on municipal and private land. “The plans on Lot 1 of the former REME site stand for modern, affordable, family- and generation-friendly living – in a good urban location and an attractive residential environment. The way is clear for a great new neighborhood,” says Mayor Felix Heinrichs.

EWMG will develop and market the site. To this end, the necessary development work will be carried out over the next few months, i.e. paths and sewers will be built, cables laid, etc. While an investor will be sought by tender for the planned apartment building on Compesmühlenweg, the plots for detached and semi-detached houses will be marketed individually from mid-2024. To ensure that Mönchengladbach residents from different backgrounds can take part, EWMG is again planning to market the properties using several different procedures.

About the REME site

The former repair workshops of the British Army of the Rhine (REME) and the former Rettenmaier cellulose filler factory were abandoned in 1992. This led to the derelict area known as the “REME site”, which was supplemented by an old industrial area to the north of Fleenerweg. As an urban landmark and reminder of its former military use, key elements of the 190-metre-long armored hall and the boiler house with chimney have been retained. Another central element of the development is the renaturation of the Gladbach in the south of the planned area. The approximately 15-hectare site will be developed in three stages (“lots”). In lot 2, the demolition work on the old buildings has already been completed by the city. This has created space in this sub-area for a lively quarter with around 300 diverse residential units to be realized by Instone Real Estate Development.