Future of the JHQ Site: Between UfA, Industrial Development and Nature Conservation

Urban Development in a Tension Field: The JHQ Site in Mönchengladbach

The JHQ site in Mönchengladbach is a key topic for urban development. With an area of 376 hectares, it offers enormous potential, but also challenges – especially in terms of environment, infrastructure, and legal requirements. In April 2026, the Committee for Urban Development and Construction discussed the feasibility and future use of the site in several sessions. The results show that the city must master a sensitive balancing act between economic development, nature conservation, and social responsibility.

1. Conflicting Goals: UfA, Industry or Barracks?

The JHQ site was originally planned as an industrial area. However, the goal of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to use the site instead as a facility for accommodating persons subject to deportation (UfA) turned the planning upside down. The current feasibility study evaluates the UfA use as one of several options – alongside the use for customs exercise areas, military facilities, and a possible barracks.

The UfA use would require about 36 hectares in the western part of the site. The customs exercise area would occupy another 44 hectares, the Bundeswehr would need 88 hectares for its barracks and office space, while the state police want to use 40 hectares for a drone training center. The originally planned industrial use is thus effectively off the table.

2. Legal and Urban Development Hurdles

Changing the use of the JHQ site requires extensive legal and urban development adjustments. The site is currently designated as a "public need area" in the land use plan. In order to realize the UfA use or the barracks, the area must be converted into a "special area with specific purpose" – a measure that must be closely coordinated with the regional plan.

Another problem is the ownership structure. Almost the entire site is owned by the Federal Agency for Real Estate and Construction (BImA), which may only sell at market price. For municipal use, therefore, a long-term lease agreement or an option to purchase is necessary.

3. Nature and Environmental Protection: A Sensitive Environment

The JHQ site is located in the midst of nature conservation areas. The western part borders directly on an Natura 2000 and bird protection area as well as a landscape protection zone. An industrial use is practically ruled out here due to the protection requirements. The UfA use, on the other hand, is possible, but requires an Natura 2000 compatibility assessment and the creation of compensatory measures.

In addition, the site is significantly shaped by groundwater and water protection. Wind energy areas also overlap with parts of the site, leading to further legal uncertainties – especially regarding noise pollution and decommissioning obligations.

4. Infrastructure and Accessibility: A Challenge for the Future

The technical and traffic accessibility of the JHQ site is currently in poor condition. Extensive renovation measures are required for future use – especially in the areas of electricity, gas, water, sewage and telecommunications. The connection via the L 39 and L 3 is given, but the infrastructure is not sufficient for industrial use.

Noise pollution in the adjacent residential areas is another problem. Noise assessments must be carried out to evaluate the effects of the new uses. In addition, the connection to public transport is poor, making traffic-intensive industries unattractive.

5. Future Potential: A Knowledge Hub in the Context of Structural Change

Despite the challenges, the JHQ site also offers great opportunities – especially for the development of a climate-neutral knowledge hub. The city has the vision of a zero-emission textile production with a focus on research and innovation in its planning. This concept, pursued under the guiding principle of "Zero Emission," could help reposition Mönchengladbach within the structural change of the Ruhr region.

The Textile Factory 7.0 (T7) is a central player in this context. It plans to create up to 3,000 jobs in the fields of textile production, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Synergies with universities such as RWTH Aachen and the University of Applied Sciences in the Lower Rhine region are central to the concept.

Conclusion: A Transformation Process in Motion

The JHQ site is an example of the complex challenges of modern urban development. It shows how economic interests must be reconciled with environmental and social goals. Mönchengladbach is facing a decision that will be significant not only for the site itself, but also for the future identity of the city.

The current feasibility study and urban development plans show that a UfA use is possible, but not necessarily the best way forward. The option of developing the site as a climate-neutral knowledge hub could offer more long-term benefits – for the economy, the environment, and the population.

The next steps – especially the preparation of the zoning plan and coordination with the state – will be crucial. Mönchengladbach has the opportunity to become a model for sustainable urban development with the JHQ site.