Redesign of Westbahnhof and surrounding area - City Council adopts framework plan
On Tuesday, 29.04.2025, the Jena City Council approved the framework plan for the further development of the Westbahnhof and its surroundings as a mobility hub. The concept is intended to reposition the area over the coming years in terms of function, urban development and, above all, traffic. The framework planning as a "red guideline" has thus been completed. The task now is to implement the individual measures in a coordinated and coordinated manner.
The aim is to systematically advance the upgrading of the area around the station, Westbahnhofstrasse, Schillerstrasse and Engelplatz. To this end, twelve measures have been developed, some in variants, which are divided into short-term, medium-term and long-term projects. The estimated construction and planning costs (as of 11/2024) for urban areas amount to around 18.1 million euros - around 5.33 million euros are for short-term implementation. The construction costs for the Deutsche Bahn sites are not included in the cost estimate.
"With the framework plan, we are creating the basis for making the Westbahnhof area fit for the future," says Dirk Lange, Head of Urban Development and Environment. "The new ZEISS Campus will increase the importance of the area as a mobility hub. It is therefore important to develop viable perspectives at an early stage."
The first concrete steps are to follow soon: the redesign of the area around the station on the east side and the forecourt on the west side.
Occasion and objective
The construction of the new ZEISS Campus will create new routes and a growing need for transport connections. The aim is to develop the area into a modern hub for buses, trains, bicycles, pedestrians and cars.
The framework plan shows flexible development options - depending on the availability of space and the involvement of third parties. It bundles proposals on how the various uses can be reorganized, transport connections improved, the cityscape designed and new green and recreational areas created.
Operational issues relating to public transport (e.g. fare structures, safety and cleanliness) or detailed specifications such as lighting, signage and litter garbage cans are not covered by the framework plan.
Public participation and coordination with partners
The city already relied on broad participation during the development phase: In February 2024, a public planning workshop was held in the historic town hall, accompanied by online participation on mitmachen.de. Local businesses, ZEISS and Deutsche Bahn were also closely involved in the process.
The draft framework plan was presented in the town hall on 04.11.2024. Citizens were able to comment on the results report until 17.11.2024. The suggestions were incorporated into the final version.