Lübeck's Urban Development in Focus: Housing Market, Transport, and Inclusion

Housing Market: Strategy for Ensuring Affordable Housing

Lübeck reached a milestone in housing policy in February 2026: the Housing Market Strategy was unanimously adopted. The goal is to provide approximately 5,000 new residential units by 2045. Currently, 3,180 housing units have building rights and 1,680 are in planning. To meet demand, the city is relying on standardized building forms, streamlined construction, and municipal land acquisition.

Another focus is the provision of subsidized housing: 10,000 subsidized housing units are to be created by 2045, with at least 30% of new zoning plans including subsidized housing. In addition, the land lease right with more than 50% subsidized housing will be rewarded with a reduced land lease rate.

The strategy also includes social mixing and the development of attractive neighborhoods. Here, neighborhood concepts and the one-third mix (one-third social housing) play a central role. The city aims to create a stable and vibrant housing market in the long term that remains attractive for families, young people, and seniors.

Transport Planning: Safety and Accessibility in Focus

A central topic was the renovation of Mühlentorplatz. The Construction Committee decided in favor of Variant 2, which will transform the square into a signal-controlled intersection. The aim is to increase traffic safety – especially for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The costs are estimated at 3 million EUR, and the measure is planned in conjunction with the bridge renovation in 2026–2027.

In addition, measures for bicycle path development were approved. The bicycle path along Dummersdorfer Str. will be renovated and extended to Kobaltstr.. A gap will also be closed in the Quadebekstraße, making the connection between Kronsforde and Rothenhausen safer.

At the Skandinavienkai station, the renovation of track 11 was also approved. Additional 700,000 EUR in costs arose, but were still approved in order to keep the infrastructure up to date.

Inclusion and Accessible Urban Space

Urban development in Lübeck is placing greater emphasis on accessibility and inclusion. The Schenkendorfstraße playground is being completely renovated, with inclusive equipment and barrier-free access taken into account. There was criticism regarding the lack of a spray installation and a sandbox, which will be considered in planning.

Accessibility is also a central topic in housing planning. In new buildings with at least three apartments per floor, barrier-free housing is legally required. TRAVE mbH, which manages around 7% of the city's housing stock, already focuses on low-barrier housing in new construction and renovation.

Outlook: Urban Development as an Adaptive Process

The decisions from February 2026 show that urban development in Lübeck is a long-term process that is oriented toward the needs of the population. The housing market strategy, transport planning, and the focus on inclusion are steps toward a liveable, sustainable, and socially cohesive city.

In 2026, further dialogue events and planning steps will take place, especially regarding the use of the former slaughterhouse site and urban development planning. The city aims to not only secure housing space but also further develop the city structure and preserve the World Heritage character of the old town.