Krupp-Gürtel, Urban development project in Essen, Germany
The Krupp-Gürtel is a large urban redevelopment project in Essen converting roughly 230 hectares of former industrial land between the city center and the Altendorf district into residential and commercial spaces. The site includes apartment buildings, offices, a 23-hectare park, schools, and shops that have been built gradually on what was once a steelworks complex.
The site housed a steel foundry from 1811 onward, becoming the economic heart of the city for generations. After World War II damage, the works were dismantled and the land remained unused until the year 2000, when redevelopment plans took shape.
The name reflects the industrial company that once dominated the area, and today the development shows how the city has woven its past into the new urban landscape. Visitors and residents use the green spaces and walking paths to connect with both the new neighborhoods and remnants of what once stood here.
The site is easily accessible by public transport and has wide, clearly marked paths for walking and cycling to explore the area. Visitors should know that the development is still ongoing in places, so you will encounter construction sites and new buildings at various spots.
The Essen 51 district within the project shows an unusual feature: entire streets were designed with a specific focus on sustainability and climate-friendly building practices. Many homes use solar energy and other renewable technologies, making it a notable example of modern, environmentally conscious urban planning.
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