City of Jena cancels Zwätzen redevelopment statutes

The Jena City Council has decided to revoke the redevelopment statutes from 2010 for "Zwätzen". The historic town center has undergone significant positive development in recent years thanks to the commitment of private developers and funding from federal and state programs. Even if not all objectives have been fully achieved, the overall balance shows a significant improvement in the area in terms of the building code. The functional and design deficiencies in urban development at the time - particularly in the historic town center - have largely been remedied. The village-like core was preserved and Zwätzen was further strengthened as a residential location.

The redevelopment objectives are therefore largely considered to have been achieved. Accordingly, the statutes will not be extended after 15 years. The deadline for implementing the redevelopment measure expires at the end of 2025.

Positive development in Zwätzen

"Zwätzen has developed steadily over the past few years. The completed refurbishment shows what is possible with municipal funding and private commitment working together". It is another visible step in the right direction," says Dirk Lange, Head of Urban Development and Environment for the City of Jena.

The refurbishment focused on the restoration of the historic building fabric of the Zwätzen estate, the careful renovation of private residential buildings and the integration of new buildings. In addition, important measures such as the construction of a public playground were implemented.

Redevelopment regulations no longer apply

With the abolition of the redevelopment statutes, the special redevelopment regulations of the German Building Code will no longer apply. This also means that the approval requirement under Section 144 BauGB will no longer apply, for example for changes to structural installations. The special tax depreciation options for modernization and repair measures as well as funding options within the framework of urban development subsidies will also no longer apply. The redevelopment process was carried out in a simplified procedure, which means that no compensation fees are charged.

All property owners in the area were informed of the intended revocation of the redevelopment statutes at the beginning of 2025.