Public participation started - redesign of Westbahnhof and surrounding area

The next round of public participation in the framework planning for the further development of Jena-West station and its surroundings has begun. Anyone interested can view and comment on the plans on the city of Jena's participation platform(link is external) until 17.11.2024.

"It is important to us that citizens actively contribute their ideas and wishes to the planning process. We cordially invite everyone to view the plans and submit their comments. This is the only way to create a concept that reflects the needs of local people and sustainably improves the area," emphasizes Christian Gerlitz, Mayor and Head of Urban Development and Environment of the City of Jena.

Public presentation of the framework plan

The participation kick-off for the completion of the framework plan took place yesterday evening in the historic town hall. The commissioned planning office BahnStadt GmbH presented the framework plan to around 50 people. This serves as a guideline and shows a flexible approach for the development of the area around the station as well as Westbahnhofstraße and Schillerstraße, including Engelplatz. The plan aims to make the area more attractive, particularly with regard to the large new ZEISS building. The construction project will create new routes for visitors, commuters, professionals and students. Due to the expected increase in passengers, the area is becoming increasingly important. The area is therefore to be developed into a well-functioning mobility hub that links buses, trains, bicycles and cars and facilitates transfers between these modes of transport.

Three scenarios were developed, which could be implemented to varying degrees depending on the availability of space and the involvement of third parties. The measures are divided into three stages - short, medium and long term - to allow for flexible implementation.

After the presentation of the framework plan, the participants had the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions. These included cycling connections, the realization of a streetcar extension towards Winzerla via Magdelstieg and alternative routes for pedestrian traffic via side streets instead of the busy Westbahnhofstraße.

The background

Public participation

The city of Jena started work on the master plan together with a planning office in 2023 and attaches great importance to public participation. In February 2024, a public planning workshop was held in the historic town hall, where participants were able to discuss the various options for the design of the area around the station, Engelplatz and Westbahnhofstraße. In addition, comments could be left online on the city's participation platform. The views of the surrounding businesses were also collected in a separate survey. All suggestions and proposals were incorporated into the creation of the now completed framework plan, which can be commented on until 17.11.2024.

Why a framework plan?

The framework plan shows ways in which the area around the station as well as Westbahnhofstrasse and Schillerstraße, including Engelplatz, can be made more attractive and the development potential of the area can be utilized in the best possible way. The ZEISS construction project will create new routes, and the expected increase in passenger numbers will increase the area's importance as a mobility hub. It is therefore important to further develop the western part of the city in terms of transportation and urban development.

What is the subject of the planning?

• Presentation of a non-binding planning vision with a time horizon of 5 to 30 years on a scale of 1:1000
• Identification of various development options depending on the availability of space and the willingness of third parties to participate
• Development of an urban design concept (urban design, reorganization of uses and traffic functions, dimensioning and functionality of green and open spaces)
• Consideration and integration of a streetcar route along Westbahnhofstraße

What is not included in the planning?

• Operational statements on rail and local public transport (fare structures, cleanliness, safety, etc.)
• Detailed specifications in the area of urban land-use planning or project planning (design and implementation planning - e.g. lighting, garbage bins, plant species, video surveillance, signage)
• Design of the neighboring ZEISS areas