Space for living democracy: Jena receives funding for the Winzerla meeting center

The Winzerla meeting center was included in the "National Urban Development Projects" programme. The federal government is providing funding of 3 million euros for its construction. As a "space for living democracy", the forward-looking project is intended to make a decisive contribution to promoting civic engagement and political participation, thereby strengthening social cohesion in the Winzerla district.

It is intended to function as an attractive place for encounters and dialog, where people from different social, cultural and political backgrounds can come together and shape the future of their district. Until now, only cramped and scattered rooms have been available for district work in Winzerla.

"We are very proud that the Winzerla meeting center has been included in the prestigious 'National Urban Development Projects' program. This is a valuable endorsement for this project," says Christian Gerlitz, Mayor and Head of the Department for Urban Development and the Environment.

"With this funding, further funding from the urban development program and the city's own contribution, the financing of a long-cherished wish from the district is now on a secure footing. In addition to Federal Building Minister Clara Geywitz, I would also like to take this opportunity to express my special thanks to Former district mayor Friedrich Wilhelm Gebhardt, who fought for this project together with the urban development department for many years."

The city council last voted unanimously for the construction of a meeting center in January 2024.

The way has now been paved for further planning so that the meeting center can be opened at the end of 2028. The plan is to build a new building at the centrally located and easily accessible end of the water axis in the immediate vicinity of Enver-Şimşek Square. The estimated costs are currently €6.84 million.

About the "National Urban Development Projects" program

The federal government's "National Urban Development Projects" program supports innovative urban development projects that contribute to improving the quality of life and democratic participation in German cities and municipalities. In 2024, it is particularly promoting places of democracy education and remembrance culture as part of the 75th anniversary of the German Basic Law.