A strong signal of democracy in action: federal government invests 3 million euros in Winzerla

On Thursday, 30.10.2025, the city of Jena received three million euros in federal funding for the new "Winzerla meeting center as a space for living democracy". Mayor Thomas Nitzsche accepted the symbolic cheque from Elisabeth Kaiser, Minister of State and Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany, on the city balcony in Winzerla - with a direct view of the future location of the new building. The meeting center is to be built by the end of 2028 on a centrally located site next to the Flößerbrunnen fountain and in the immediate vicinity of Enver-Şimşek-Platz.

"Democracy thrives on participation - and that's exactly what we want to strengthen with projects like this. After all, centralized spaces are needed to get involved in the local community, exchange ideas and get involved. That's why the federal government is funding the new meeting center. So that a strong symbol of democracy in action is created in the middle of Wnzerla," said Elisabeth Kaiser, Commissioner for Eastern Europe.

Long-cherished wish now affordable

The project will be financed with the federal funds from the "National Urban Development Projects" program amounting to three million euros, around 2.3 million euros of the city of Jena's own contribution and 1.56 million euros from the "Social Cohesion" urban development funding.

"With the funding decision from the federal government, the financing of the meeting place is now finally secured. Now we can finally fulfill the long-cherished wish of the people of Winzerla and create a central location for everyone in the district. The time of cramped and scattered premises for district work in Winzerla will soon be over," says a delighted Mayor Thomas Nitzsche.

Public participation and competition process

To ensure that the new building becomes a real meeting place right from the start, the city of Jena is already relying on broad public involvement during the planning phase. In addition to the legally prescribed participation formats, there will be further opportunities to get actively involved in the process - both on site and online.

To make the new building a place for everyone, the people of Winzerla are invited to play an active role in the further design process. Their ideas and perspectives should help to create a lively center that meets the needs of the district. The first participation event will take place on 05.11.2025 from 17:00 at the Hugo youth center in Winzerla.

Architectural and climate-friendly eye-catcher

At the same time, the city is preparing an architectural and open space planning competition, which will form the basis for further planning. Particular emphasis will be placed on sustainable construction and the use of climate-friendly materials.

"It is important to us that the new center enhances Winzerla architecturally and at the same time sets standards for sustainable construction and communal use. It should become a place that people in the district can be proud of - because it is being designed together from the very beginning," emphasizes Dirk Lange, Head of Urban Development.

About the "National Urban Development Projects" program

The federal program "National Urban Development Projects" promotes innovative urban development projects that strengthen quality of life and democratic participation. In the 2024 funding year, the focus will be on places that promote democracy and a culture of remembrance - to mark the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law.