Urban Development in Hohen Neuendorf: Focus on Schools, Housing and the Bauturbo

School Construction and Climate Protection: The Expansion of Ahorn Primary School

The expansion of the Ahorn Primary School in Bergfelde is a central project within the city's educational planning framework. The administration presented an updated planning status at the meeting of the Urban Development and Construction Committee. The goal is to build a ground-level two-court sports hall, which should be approved by mid-2026 and allocated by the end of 2026.

The planning includes three construction phases:

1. New construction of the sports hall,
2. Renovation of the existing hall,
3. Renovation and conversion of the existing school.

The library could potentially be integrated into the campus, although its exact location is still undecided. A central focus of the planning is climate protection: wooden construction, photovoltaic systems, and green roofs are part of the vision. The costs have been reduced through optimized planning, which strengthens the project's success.

Building Plan 76: Between Intensification and Investor Protection

Building Plan 76 for the northern part of the district of Bergfelde is an example of the complexity of modern urban development. An applicant presented an urban development concept that dissolves the original building block into individual cubes. The discussion in the committee clearly highlighted the tensions between investor protection and the wishes of residents.

Section 246e of the Building Code allows for the expedited processing of building applications, making the Bauturbo a useful instrument for faster housing construction. However, the legal situation remains uncertain, and concerns regarding noise protection, traffic load, and social compatibility persist. The municipality is called upon to use urban development contracts to balance interests.

Mini- and Tiny Houses: An Alternative to Conventional Housing Construction?

Another highlight was the application by SPD/Bündnis 90/Die Grünen for the examination of a permanent form of housing in a mini-/tiny house neighborhood. The administration is to assess the suitability of five municipal plots of land.

The plots Zühlsdorfer Straße 7 and Bahnstraße 5 are considered suitable from a planning law perspective, although Zühlsdorfer Straße requires clarification regarding the after-effects of a demolished building. The plots Birkenwerder Straße 15 and the Haveleck in Pinnow, on the other hand, are problematic due to elevation differences or local image protection.

Although tiny houses could represent a fast and cost-effective alternative, concerns remain regarding infrastructure and traffic. The discussion showed that while the idea is innovative, it also faces legal and social challenges.

The Bauturbo: Acceleration or Risk?

The Bauturbo (Section 246e of the Building Code) is an instrument for accelerating construction processes. In Hohen Neuendorf, it is being discussed to address the housing shortage. However, its application must be handled with caution. The municipality must act consistently to avoid arbitrariness, while also considering social building regulations such as a share of social housing.

The administration recommended a guide on the conditions of application to ensure transparency. Critics warn that the Bauturbo could limit public participation and place investor rights above the interests of residents. Despite these concerns, the Bauturbo remains a central point in the city's housing strategy.

Outlook: Urban Development in a Tension Field

The developments in Hohen Neuendorf show that urban development must increasingly be viewed as more than just construction planning. It is a reflection of social values, ecological responsibility, and social justice. The coming months will show whether the city has the courage to implement innovative projects such as tiny houses or urban development pilot projects – or whether it will continue to stick to established forms.