New residential area in Langenhorn: Controversial project on Diekmoor!

New residential area in Langenhorn: Controversial project on Diekmoor!

The Hamburg-Nord district recently decided on the competition for the new Diekmoor development area in the Langenhorn district, and the winning design has now been officially presented. Around 700 apartments are to be built in the new district, 60 percent of which will be publicly funded. At the presentation of the draft in the evening, Hamburg's chief building director Franz-Joseph Höing and other decision-makers were optimistic about the implementation of the plan, which includes residential buildings with up to eight floors and provides for a lot of green space.

Höing pointed out that the winning design optimally takes the framework planning into account and provides a clear idea of ​​how future residents could live in this new district. The aim is to create a lively mix of living space and leisure opportunities, whereby the ecological aspect is not neglected. The design shows a vision for a harmonious coexistence of nature and urban space.

Ecological concerns about the new development area

Despite the positive response from the city, there are serious concerns from local residents and environmental activists. Gabriele Wittmann from the “Save the Diekmoor” initiative emphasizes that the planned construction project endangers the last large contiguous green area with high ecological value in Langenhorn. Over 80 bird species live in the region, including 42 breeding bird species and several endangered amphibian and bat species. This fact highlights the importance of local nature and the need to protect these resources.

Wittmann says: “The ecosystem present in the allotment gardens has not yet been sufficiently investigated.” In her opinion, ecological evaluations should play a greater role in the planning phase in order to better understand the impacts on flora and fauna.

Living in Hamburg: An urgent problem

District office manager Michael Werner-Boelz (Greens), however, emphasizes the area's urgent potential for the creation of affordable housing. “The social question in metropolises is: How do we create affordable housing?” says Werner Boelz. He considers the Diekmoor to be the last major potential area in the Hamburg-Nord district that should be developed. “We have to use the opportunity to create a roof over the heads of 700 households,” the district office manager continued, warning that the precarious situation on the Hamburg housing market makes it necessary to find clear answers.

He points to the growing demand for living space in the Hanseatic city and appeals to stakeholders to act in line with immediate housing needs. At the same time, it remains to be seen whether and how concerns regarding ecological issues will be taken into account in the coming planning phases. The draft is not yet final, but provides a solid basis for further discussions about the development of the area.

For more information, see the article on www.ndr.de.