Saarlouis in March 2026: Construction Projects, Personnel Changes and Cultural Impulses

Industry and Urban Planning: New Storage Areas Approved

The Advisory Committee for Urban Planning and Construction made important decisions in March 2026 that are significant for Saarlouis's industrial development. The construction application by GreenSteel EAF GmbH and GreenSteel DRI GmbH for two storage and assembly areas was unanimously approved. The sites are located between Henry-Ford- and Carl-Zeiss Streets and will serve as material intermediate storage for modern steel production facilities.

Although the floor area ratio (GRZ) is slightly exceeded on site 3/189, the city planning department approved the application for an exemption. On site 3/191, a temporary use with subsequent reclamation is planned, requiring the removal of 145 trees. The city considers this acceptable in light of compensatory planting.

In addition, ecological impacts were assessed, and no species-protected animals were found to be present. The sites will be included in the ecological construction supervision (ÖBB) to further monitor environmental aspects during the construction phase.

Personnel Changes and Training Positions

March 2026 also brought important personnel decisions. The Personnel Committee approved, among other things, the employment of four trainees in the field of "Administrative Clerk" and four civil servant trainees for the higher general administrative service. Additionally, a temporary appointment of a project manager for the Interreg programme "Livable Cities" was decided.

In the area of green spaces, a previously temporary employee was taken on permanently, and a tree inspector was hired for the New Workshop Area in Saarlouis. Furthermore, training positions for the profession of landscape gardener for the year 2026 were discussed.

Culture and Events: The Saarlouiser Emmes 2026

The Saarlouiser Emmes 2026 was in the spotlight in March 2026. The committee for Economic Development, City Marketing and Tourism allocated the stalls on the Great Market. Associations, partner cities, and local businesses were able to apply for the sought-after stall spaces.

Notably, the association SC "Saargold" Saarlouis-Lisdorf received an exceptional permit for a 96 m² area. Partner cities such as Eisenhüttenstadt, Saint-Nazaire and Favara received free stall spaces. The stall fees are tiered according to different areas, and Saarlouis associations receive a 50% discount.

The administration is tasked with allocating the stalls based on qualitative criteria. The application deadline ended at the end of January with a total of 39 applications, nine of which were from Saarlouis associations.

Sports and Event Planning: Preparation for Special Olympics and State Gymnastics Festival

In the committee for Family, Social Affairs, Schools and Sports, important preparations for the Special Olympics National Games 2026 and the State Gymnastics Festival 2028 were made. The City Garden Hall and the Sports Hall in the Fliesen are planned for the handball competitions. The torch run for the Special Olympics is scheduled for 11.06.2026.

In addition, the revision of the kindergarten regulations and the sports outdoor facilities concept were noted. The Roden natural grass pitch has been converted into an artificial turf pitch, and the track resurfacing at the Großer Sand stadium is planned for end of May 2026.

Digitalization and Infrastructure: Progress and Planning

The Main, Finance and Digitalization Committee reported progress in the city's digitalization strategy. Training sessions on the Document Management System (DMS) and the electronic personnel file (E-Akte) were conducted. In addition, the implementation of the broadband portal was completed.

Another important topic was the renewal of concessions for electricity, gas and water, planned for 2029. The city is preparing with external consultancy services and plans a public announcement.

Outlook for April 2026

April 2026 is expected to be shaped by the Special Olympics National Games 2026. The city is preparing intensively for the event, which will take place from 15 to 20 June. In the sports and cultural field, preparations for the State Gymnastics Festival 2028 are also underway.

Further construction measures in the areas of green spaces and transport connections are also to be expected in urban planning. Digitalization remains a focus, with further projects in the areas of broadband and eGovernment.