The recent history of our towns is shaped by fundamental
transitions. Due to the structural change in economics, old industrial
sites – quite often attractive inner city locations – lie
idle and are therefore available to be utilized for alternative purposes.
The same applies to barracks and military sites that are no longer
needed. Natural demographic development and migration have a substantial
impact on the number of inhabitants, declining birth rates are causing
declining population figures and a rise in the average age of the
population: We are becoming ever fewer and in average ever older.
In addition, many people – especially young families – are
leaving the towns because they are attracted by the prospect of achieving
their dream of a country house in one of the surrounding villages.
”Stadtumbau” (Urban
Renewal) is the name of a program initiated by the government, the
federal states and the towns in order to counteract the impact of
the negative demographic trend (vacancy and loss of attractiveness).
The program is geared towards maintaining and increasing the appeal
of towns, particularly of their centres, as attractive places in
which to live. The measures focus on the demands and needs of young
families as well as on senior-friendly urban developments in accordance
with an ageing population.
This brochure provides an insight into
the multitude of completed and future urban renewal in our towns
and cities. They sell themselves to their current and potential citizens,
as attractive places in which to live.
Examples include “living
in the country” right in the
city centre, cross-generational living, senior-friendly housing,
and smart architectural solutions that combine working and living
spaces.
Whether it be the loft within the old mill, the private town
house, the town villa built of precast concrete slabs, the house
with a spacious garden right in the middle of town, stunningly redeveloped
housing estates from the twenties and thirties or newly established
housing estates allowing urban life on the waterfront, you will be
amazed by the diversity of housing ideas and housing concepts available
in the communities of the “Städtekranz Berlin-Brandenburg”.
With regard to my home town Neuruppin the brochure documents how
former barracks or early industrial sites are converted into fascinating
housing objects.
I invite you to experience these less popular aspects
of our towns as well as the common tourist attractions. I wish you
eventful and exciting hours.
Jens-Peter
Golde
Mayor of the Fontane City Neuruppin
Chairman of the Städtekranz Berlin-Brandenburg
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