Urban Development in Herten: Focus on Construction Planning and Downtown Development in February 2026

Urban Development in Herten: Construction Planning and Downtown Development in Focus

The city of Herten has proven itself to be an active player in urban development in February 2026. Numerous construction planning procedures were initiated or further developed, with a clear focus on the design of the downtown area, the creation of new residential and commercial areas, and the improvement of the cycling infrastructure. The decisions made by the Committee for Urban Planning, Environment, and Economy on February 18, 2026, marked important milestones for urban development in the coming years.

Downtown Development: Renovation of Central Squares

The redesign of the downtown area was by far the central topic of February. The committee decided to commission an integrated urban development concept (ISEK) to redesign the central squares – Otto-Wels-Platz, Marktplatz, and Antoniusvorplatz. The goal is to make the public space barrier-free, climate-friendly, and lively, while also taking into account aspects of safety and order.

Particularly noteworthy is the renovation of Otto-Wels-Platz, which is to be modernized with a water feature, a newly designed parking plan, and partial de-sealing. The Antoniusvorplatz will be further developed into a "green space," preserving the plane trees and creating an event area. The Marktplatz will remain a 24/7 parking lot but will be visually and technically upgraded.

Funding will mainly come from urban development support, with the city of Herten itself bearing 20% of the costs. The measures are planned for the period 2027–2033 and are intended to sustainably change the public space.

Construction Planning: Neue Zeche Westerholt and Herten-Süd

Another key topic was construction planning in the area of "Neue Zeche Westerholt." The building plan No. 185.1, 1st amendment, was approved to redesign the southeastern part of the area. The goal is to expand the safety structure, improve the square design at the junction of Egonstraße/Ringstraße, and relocate the cycle path. In addition, a commercial area will be expanded, giving a modern appearance through the enlargement of plots and the underground installation of lines.

In the area of Herten-Süd, Cranger Straße, the 36th amendment to the land use plan was approved. Within the "Green Hub Emscher" project, commercial areas are to be created here, to be used in combination with a container terminal for combined freight transport. The city of Recklinghausen is taking the lead, which financially relieves Herten, as no direct costs will arise.

Regional Cycling Network and AGFS Membership

Another milestone was the decision to continue membership in the Working Group of Pedestrian- and Cyclist-Friendly Cities (AGFS) and the development of the regional cycling network. Membership in the AGFS costs 3,000 euros per year and is part of the medium-term budget planning. The city of Herten benefits from this through consultations, training, and access to funding.

The regional cycling network serves as a strategic basis for future cycling planning. The aim is to create a comprehensive, continuous, and barrier-free cycling infrastructure that takes into account both daily and recreational traffic. The network is part of the Mobility Master Plan 2050 and is aligned with the requirements of the North Rhine-Westphalia Cycling and Local Mobility Act (FaNaG). Within the project, immediate measures are also planned to improve the safety and continuity of the cycle paths.

Outlook: Urban Development as a Process

The decisions made in February 2026 show that Herten has a clear vision for the future. The redesign of the downtown area, the creation of new residential and commercial areas, and the improvement of the cycling infrastructure are not only construction projects but also expressions of a long-term development process. Involving the public, cooperating with neighboring cities, and considering climatic and social aspects make the planning transparent and sustainable.