bgh. Gauly & Volgmann supports the Leipzig City Planning Department with citizen participation and public relations for the development of the new urban district “Heiterblick-Süd”. This includes the conception, guidance, and moderation of the advisory committee.
Project Background
A new urban district for approximately 4,000 residents is being developed in northeastern Leipzig over the coming years. The currently agriculturally used area has been under discussion for development since the 1980s. In 2023, the city council passed a resolution to develop “Heiterblick-Süd” – one of Leipzig’s largest municipal housing projects. The goal is to develop a community-oriented, climate-resilient district.
To meet the high quality standards of a modern urban district, the City of Leipzig conducted an open, two-phase urban design competition, which was completed in November 2024. From December 2024 to January 2025, all competition results were publicly exhibited at the Paunsdorf Center, which is adjacent to the site. bgh. supported the management of the exhibition.
The winners, the jury’s reasoning, as well as many other details can be found on the Leipzig City project website [in German]. A master plan will subsequently be developed based on the winning design. The development plan is expected to set the framework conditions for the district by the end of 2028.
The Advisory Committee
The City of Leipzig aims to design citizen participation in the further planning process broadly and inclusively. In addition to the information events about the competition that were conducted in advance (moderated by bgh.), establishing an advisory committee is essential. The committee is intended to accompany the entire planning process and enable in-depth substantive feedback with selected representatives of the city.
The composition of the advisory committee was deliberately diverse, ensuring that various stakeholder groups are represented. It consists of half citizens, both from the immediate vicinity of the area and city-wide, as well as half subject matter experts, social institutions and associations from adjacent districts, representatives of business operators, associations, educational institutions, and children and youth representatives.
The committee meets regularly throughout the entire planning process. Planning progress is continuously communicated back to the participating stakeholders. The committee’s constituent meeting took place in April 2025, followed by a second meeting on the focus topics of landscape space, green spaces, open spaces, and water areas.
Our Services
- Conception, establishment, and development of the advisory committee
- Preparation, follow-up, and moderation of advisory committee meetings
- Moderation of an information event (January 2024)
- Management of the competition exhibition at Paunsdorf Center
- Organization and implementation of citizen forums
- Support with public relations, including creation of communication materials
Commissioned by: City of Leipzig, City Planning Department
Timeline: 2024-2025