Cottbus in the Economic Spotlight: Action Concepts, Construction Acceleration, and Land Monitoring

Economic Development in Cottbus: Key Decisions in February 2026

In February 2026, the city of Cottbus took important steps for its economic future in several committees. The Committee for Economy, Participation, and Structural Development discussed and approved several proposals aimed at strengthening the city's stability and attractiveness as an economic location. In addition to the further development of the economic action concept, the application of the BauTurbo Act, industrial land development, and the economic plan of the sports facility operation were also in focus.

Economic Action Concept: From Analysis to Strategy

The second edition of the Economic Action Concept, presented on February 10, 2026, marks a milestone in the city's strategic orientation. Following a comprehensive analysis of the economic landscape and industrial land development, the concept is now being implemented concretely. The goal is to increase the competitiveness of Cottbus through targeted settlement strategies and the creation of conditions for investors.

A central point is the development of the Lausitz Science Park (LSP) and the creation of alternative sites, particularly in the Seevorstadt, where areas are difficult to use due to legacy contamination and complex ownership structures. The city also plans to act with a technology roadmap and a research advisory board, drawing on the Adlershof success model, in order to more closely connect science, business, and politics.

BauTurbo Act: Acceleration in Housing Construction

The resolution on the application of the Housing Construction Acceleration Act (BauTurbo) was unanimously adopted. The goal is to accelerate housing construction by simplifying and shortening approval procedures. The city welcomes the new legal opportunities and has defined clear criteria for their application in order to ensure transparency and traceability.

The resolution creates a framework to implement housing construction projects more quickly. This is particularly important in a growing urban area like Cottbus. The city administration will report quarterly on the application of the law and review guidelines by February 2027 at the latest. In addition, it is planned to carry out the approval process for projects under § 36a of the Building Code under defined criteria.

Industrial Land Monitoring 2023: Challenges and Opportunities

The report on the 2023 Industrial Land Monitoring, presented in February 2026, shows a differentiated picture. Land development is dynamic: while brownfield sites and vacancies have slightly decreased, the demand for land for logistics, energy, and services has increased.

Nevertheless, the situation remains challenging: currently, only about 17 hectares of fully developed industrial construction land in public ownership are available, with many areas being usable in the long term only due to legacy contamination or insufficient infrastructure. The city plans to steer land development strategically and develop targeted settlement strategies with an updated industrial land development concept (GEFEK) through 2040.

Sports Facility Operation: Challenges in the Budget

The economic plan of the city-owned enterprise "Sports Facility Operation of Cottbus" for 2026 foresees a planned loss of 727,100 euros. The planned total subsidy amount is 15.4 million euros, of which 6.99 million euros are allocated for operating costs and 7.65 million euros for investments. Although the liquidity of the city-owned enterprise is secured, the budget flexibility remains narrow. The city receives revenue from facilities such as the Lausitzer Sports School and the House of Athletes, which partially financially cushions the operation.

Outlook: Stability, Attractiveness, and Structural Change

The decisions of February 2026 show that Cottbus is aiming for a sustainable economic take-off. With the BauTurbo Act, strategic land development, and the expansion of the economic location Lausitz Science Park, the city is actively responding to the challenges of structural change. At the same time, caution is necessary: the financial security of projects and the long-term use of land remain central issues.