Launch of the city building department in the Northern Innenstadt
Gießen has secured a €207,000 grant to boost sustainable development in its Northern Inner City district. The funding comes from the federal 'Social Cohesion' programme, which targets improvements in housing, public spaces, and community life. The money will help create a long-term plan for the area’s future.
The grant will fund the creation of an Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK) for the district. This document will act as a roadmap, detailing specific projects, action steps, and strategies for the coming years. Once finalised, the ISEK will guide investments in infrastructure, green spaces, and public buildings.
The programme operates with shared costs, split equally between the federal government, the state of Hesse, and the city itself. Gießen will also have the chance to apply for extra funding each year throughout the programme’s duration. These annual proposals could unlock further grants for local initiatives.
To ensure the plan is put into practice, a neighbourhood management team will be set up. Their role will include coordinating projects, engaging residents, and monitoring progress. The office is expected to start work by late 2026.
The 'Social Cohesion' programme itself focuses on strengthening community ties and improving living conditions. Its goal is to make the Northern Inner City a more inclusive and attractive place to live.
The €207,000 grant marks the first step in a wider effort to transform Gießen’s Northern Inner City. With the ISEK as a foundation, the district will see targeted upgrades to housing, public areas, and local infrastructure. The city can also pursue additional funding opportunities in the years ahead.
