A new residential quarter with over 2000 apartments is soon to be built in Bockenheim - a new quarter within a quarter, so to speak. The plans for this have now been presented by the Nassauische Heimstätte/Wohnstadt group of companies and the listed residential developer Instone Real Estate, together with Frankfurt's head of planning, Mike Josef. The new Schönhof quarter is to be built on the former Siemens site, where administrative buildings, production halls, wasteland and parking lots currently dominate the picture.The two companies have acquired around 125,000 square meters in recent months, around half of the total area to be planned over.
Mike Josef explained the plans at a press conference as follows: "We are developing a diverse quarter on this site as part of an internal development with apartments for all levels of the population, including the necessary infrastructure. In the western area, we also want to develop an urban area that allows living and working to coexist. This will also allow existing businesses to continue to exist here." And Peter Klarmann, Head of Project Development at Nassauische Heimstätte, made it clear that things could get underway soon on the part of the developers: "If we can submit the first building applications next year, we want to start building quickly. Assuming things go well, we'll be finished with the Siemens Quarter in 2024."
Over 2000 apartments will be built on the 15 building plots owned by the two companies in the eastern part of the planning area. The intention is to have a mix of 30 percent subsidized apartments (1st and 2nd subsidy path), privately financed rental apartments and condominiums. "We are aiming for high architectural quality and diversity and will commission different architectural firms with designs. The Schönhof district offers a holistic, modern neighbourhood concept that combines living, working and recreation. Here, both companies can excellently contribute their expertise in the development of inner-city quarters", explains Ralf Werner, Instone Branch Manager Rhine-Main. A Europe-wide architectural competition is planned for the Quartiersmitte in coordination with the city.
A primary school is also being built at the centrally located quarter square. On the opposite construction site, retail will be located on the ground floor, which will ensure the local supply of the quarter. "Nassauische Heimstätte and Instone will also build several daycare centers on the site and create a large public park. A public neighbourhood square and further courtyards within the development will make the Schönhof quarter a family-friendly residential quarter with a high quality of stay," says Josef. It will be interesting to see whether these positive-sounding plans can actually be implemented.
