Solar estate on Saalbahnhofstraße clears another hurdle

City Council passes three key resolutions on the construction project

Plans for the solar neighbourhood on Saalbahnhofstraße have reached an important milestone. At its meeting yesterday, Wednesday 11 November 2026, Jena City Council adopted the decision on the assessment of interests, approved the implementation agreement and passed the resolution on the project-specific development plan. This means that the planning-law requirements for the further implementation of the construction project have now been met.

“These resolutions bring us a significant step closer to the development of a new inner-city residential neighbourhood. The project combines much-needed housing with an urban mix of residential and commercial uses, as well as a well-thought-out greening and mobility concept. It is particularly important that we have carefully examined the comments received from the public and the relevant authorities and incorporated them into the further planning process,” says Dirk Lange, Head of the Department for Urban Development and the Environment.

Feedback from the public and specialist authorities

Public and regulatory engagement took place in two phases: as early as spring 2023, 18 comments were received from the public and 31 responses from regulatory bodies. During the second consultation period, from 19 January to 27 February 2026, a further six comments from the public and 33 responses from authorities were received. An information event was held on 22 January 2026 to accompany this process.

The total of 24 comments from the public and 64 responses from public authorities concerned, amongst other things, urban development, transport, noise and pollution control, as well as nature and species conservation. The comments were reviewed and led to additions to the planning documents, as well as to the updating or supplementation of five expert reports. The basic principles of the plan remained unaffected. As part of the revision, the requirement for cycle parking spaces was also adjusted to 246 spaces, taking the catering sector into account. A further 85 car parking spaces are also planned.

Implementation agreement ensures realisation

The implementation agreement between the City of Jena and the project developer, LE Quartier 13 GmbH, governs the specific implementation of the project and sets out binding completion deadlines. Among other things, it sets out obligations regarding preparatory and regeneration measures, the implementation of landscaping and species conservation measures, noise protection and rainwater retention. It also stipulates the transfer of land to the city, the use of public spaces and financial guarantees.

Urban neighbourhood with a focus on green spaces

The area between Damenviertel, Am Anger and Spittelplatz is to be developed into a modern residential neighbourhood with a diverse mix of housing and commercial premises on the ground floors. This includes around 70 small, accessible residential units, which are intended in particular to provide senior-friendly housing in an inner-city setting.

A striking high-rise on Spittelplatz, with 14 or 15 full storeys, marks the entrance to the neighbourhood. To the south, this is flanked by buildings that are predominantly five to seven storeys high. Lower sections of the buildings and recesses pay homage to the ‘Gründerzeit’ architecture of the Damenviertel. Access is via Saalbahnhofstraße, Käthe-Kollwitz-Straße and Am Anger.

A green neighbourhood square with ten trees is intended to create a new gathering place for local residents. In addition, extensive green roofs are planned, which will support the microclimate and create additional green spaces. Two further trees will be planted along Am Anger.

Sustainable mobility and energy

Car parking spaces will be housed in a single-storey underground car park. Four car-sharing spaces on the ground floor will complement the mobility options. The cycle parking facilities are distributed between the underground car park and the surrounding open spaces. The building envelopes are also designed to accommodate the integration of photovoltaic modules. Light-coloured façades and wood-coloured accents characterise the design.

The development plan comes into force following the adoption of the by-laws and the subsequent public notice.