In this issue, we take a closer look at key framework conditions for development – such as the high-voltage power line and the possible extension of subway line U7. You will also find more information about the station area as a future gateway to the district, as well as about the upcoming political self-commitment resolution.
On September 29, a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony was held together with Mayor Christian Hentschel to mark the start of construction on the first section of road infrastructure for the Schönefeld Nord development area. With this step, the infrastructure connection around the new high school is secured – an important milestone for the future development of the entire neighborhood.
The new “Holzwurm” daycare center on Pestalozzistraße in Schönefeld is taking visible shape. Built using modular construction, the facility will provide much-needed additional childcare places for the community in the near future.
The master plan aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for the gradual development of the new neighbourhood. Aspects such as urban design, infrastructure, green spaces, and transport will be taken into account. The overall concept aims to create a new neighborhood that integrates well into the existing structures whilst also establishing its own identity. Green spaces will play an important role to create a high quality of life. The master plan acts as a framework for future development and ensures that all aspects are taken into account.
The area will be divided into individual sub-quarters, to allow a phased development of the new neighbourhood. This approach also enables a flexible response to changing needs and future requirements. In each sub-quarter, a comprehensive review of the ideas developed so far will take place to further adapt the existing design concepts.
Economic feasibility will be a key focus. Particular attention will be given to developing the identity of the new neighbourhood, assessing building types, and designing public spaces.
Throughout the process, various alternative planning scenarios are developed and evaluated. The knowledge gained from this process leads to the continuous refinement of the masterplan.
The implementation of the new neighbourhood Schönefeld Nord is a complex process that goes through several stages. The beginning of this process starts with the so-called „Vorbereitende Untersuchungen“ (preparatory investigations).
Due to the dynamic development of Schönefeld, there is an increased need for residential and office/industrial space in the northern part of Schönefeld, as well as social facilities, recreational areas and green space. A unified and wholesome approach to develop the area will be key to it’s success.
On December 7th 2022, the municipal council of the town of Schönefeld decided to conduct preparatory investigations in accordance with § 141 BauGB in order to further develop the masterplan in preparation to gain building permission.
The preparatory investigations for the northern part of Schönefeld are roughly divided into three overlapping stages:
With the aim to create a lively neighborhood that is socially and ecologically inclusive, whilst also meeting current and future demands for sustainability (including climate protection and low-emission mobility concepts) a urban design competition involving renowned planning offices was held in 2022.
The winning design by architects Reicher Haase Assoziierte (RHA) together with landscape architects Carla Lo and traffic planner Lindschulte envisions a large-scale residential development for approximately 10,000 people with accompanying infrastructure including schools, kindergartens, youth and healthcare facilities, commercial spaces, as well as green and open spaces.
Under German planning and building law, a strategic master plan provides the framework for the development of an urban area. The master plan integrates various planning requirements and builds the basis for planning applications. The elaboration of the master plan is carried out in phases for different areas within the planning area and includes, for example, adjustments to the characteristics and development of the area. The process to develop and continuously adjust various planning alternatives involves planners, land owners, the council and various experts. The complexity arises from the large size of the planning area, requirements for drainage, infrastructure, and a diverse land ownership structure. The master plan allows for the independent development of individual areas within the overall masterplan (framework).
On October 19th 2022, the city of Schönefeld agreed to work with RHA architects to further refine and qualify the urban planning concept of the winning design from the „Urban and Open Space Planning Competition Schönefeld Nord“ as a master plan. The overall process is managed by DSK Deutsche Stadt- und Grundstücksentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH.
As part of this qualification process, the conditions for further planning will be discussed with the council and further developed based on the planning competition guidelines. Additionally, detailed concepts and appraisals on various topics will be created to inform and support the planning and design process. The outcome of this process will build the foundation for the urban planning framework.
Residents can also participate in the process. Regular events and online participation opportunities will be held, allowing everyone to contribute.
The strategic development direction for the area will be defined by a so-called „utilization concept“. This includes topics such as residential and commercial uses, the location of central infrastructures, school sites, daycare centers, as well as building density and public realm design. The utilization concept serves as the basis for future developments needed to meet the population’s needs for education, housing, and infrastructure.
The design of green spaces, landscapes, playgrounds, public squares and spaces, sport grounds and other areas are part of the qualification of the master plan. The definition of the location of a cemetery, a review of water surfaces and parks, street design in coordination with transport planning, the development of concepts for peripheral development and transition spaces, the determination of open space requirements, rainwater management and the design of educational facilities will be part of the qualification process.
These various aspects will be integrated into the overarching master plan to create a harmonious and functional environment that meets the needs of the community and strengthens the identity of the new neighborhood.
With the help of an overarching transport concept, the primary focus is on establishing a road network hierarchy. This includes determining access to and connections of different types of transport (motorized vehicles, busses, cycling lanes, pedestrian areas as well as deliveries). As part of the concept, traffic volumes and traffic flows are analyzed to develop an optimal traffic network for all users.
Furthermore, road sections are designed to show street planting, rainwater management, utility lines, delivery acces as well as considering access for emergency and rescue vehicles.
The noise impact concept for the Berlin Brandenburg Airport includes general approaches and developments for noise reduction and encompasses both active and passive noise protection measures. These measures include, among other things, the designation of protection and compensation areas, night flight restrictions, and soundproofing for buildings affected by aircraft noise.
The planning area is not located in one of the noise protection zones affected by aircraft noise. The city of Schönefeld is required, under the EU Environmental Noise Directive, to carry out noise mapping and noise action planning, which will also specifically address aircraft noise. The report for Stage 4 of the noise action planning, along with the associated noise mappings, is expected to be published in the second half of 2024.
Further information https://lubb.berlin-brandenburg.de/aufgaben/flughafen-ber/fluglaerm/ und https://gemeinde-schoenefeld.de/stadtentwicklung-mobilitaet/umwelt-und-planung/laermaktionsplanung/
The current lack of infrastructure access, the existing property layouts, and landownership structures are currently preventing construction. The council does not yet own the land required to construct roads and other supporting infrastructure facilities. The planned construction plots do not align with the existing property structure and are often owned by different landowners, making coherent development currently unfeasible.
Preparatory investigations aim to obtain an extensive assessment of the current situation, the social, structural, and urban planning conditions and contexts, as well as the planning and development goals to be pursued and the overall feasibility of the implementation. In particular, the willingness of landowners, tenants and leaseholders to participate in the implementation of the development goals should be examined and promoted.
The council intends to hold public participatory events during the conduction of the preparatory studies to discuss the preliminary investigation findings as well as the development goals. All interested parties, including landowners, tenants, leaseholders, and residents from adjacent areas, can participate. There is also the option to provide written feedback. Property owners and users can take advantage of a private consultation with the council and the planning consultants. During the private consultations, the possibilities for a development cooperation between the council and the landowners will be discussed.
Preliminary investigations have been conducted since March 2023. These investigations will assess whether an urban development measure (SEM) is necessary or if the development goals (planned construction and use in the area) can be achieved through other means.
The council makes the decision on whether or not an SEM should be conducted. This decision is based on a report that will be created after the completion of the preliminary investigations. The report contains recommendations regarding the implementation or non-implementation of an SEM in Schönefeld Nord.
It is expected that the completion of the development will take over 20 years.
Generally, the council aims to acquire the properties in the development area to ensure the prompt and comprehensive implementation of the master plan (§ 166 Abs. 3 BauGB). However, the council may refrain from acquiring the property if the owner agrees, through a contract with the council, to use or develop the property in accordance with the development objectives within a reasonable timeframe. In the case of implementing an SEM, the council intends to prioritize entering into such agreements with the landowners. Acquisition of property will only occur on a case-by-case basis if the development objectives cannot be achieved in any other way.
Contracts concerning the use of properties or buildings, as well as residential lease agreements, remain valid after the decision to implement an SEM. However, the town can terminate rental or lease agreements if required in order to achieve the development objectives. In such cases, the user is entitled to compensation if they suffer financial disadvantages due to the premature termination.
The council aims to develop the area in agreement and cooperation with landowners. Priority is given to concluding agreements between the council and landowners. However, in individual cases, expropriation of non-cooperative landowners is possible if the development goals can only be achieved this way.
Landowners who do not sell their property and do not develop it in accordance with the development goals during the SEM are required to pay a compensation to the council. The compensation amount is calculated based on the difference between the initial value (the value of the land unaffected by the development) and the final value (the value of the land influenced by the development at the end of the SEM).
The council is responsible for the overall development of the area. This primarily includes the construction of the necessary roads, pathways, and public squares, as well as other residential facilities (e.g., daycare centers, schools, green spaces, and playgrounds). The remaining properties acquired by the town that are not needed for infrastructure purposes will be sold to builders at the final value (land value after the completion of the development measure). The buyers must, as the ‚old‘ owners did before, commit to achieving the development goals. All other construction measures, i.e., the construction of residential and commercial buildings, will be carried out by private owners (buyers and ‚old‘ owners).
