Refurbished GFZ barracks in Mainz now cater to residential and business use
In a significant move, the city of Mainz and the Federal Real Estate Agency (BImA) have signed a contract for the joint development of the "Am Pariser Tor" area. This development is set to take place on a 77,654 square meter site in the Goldgrube/Freiligrathstraße area, previously occupied by the German Armed Forces.
The vacant site, which reverted to BImA at the beginning of 2024, will now be transformed into a new city quarter. Marianne Grosse, head of the urban development department, stated that this project will make an unusable area accessible to the public, thereby benefiting the upper part of the city.
The goal of this development is twofold. Firstly, it aims to create urgently needed housing. Secondly, it seeks to further develop Mainz as a biotechnology location. Notably, companies like Ganymed Pharmaceutical and BioNTech have already settled in the first areas developed by Mainz's Property Management Corporation (GVG) along Goldgrube since 2011.
Independent Mayor Nino Haase hailed the project as a "major coup" for the city. Manuela Matz, economic affairs commissioner, mentioned continued development at the site, with BioNTech specifically set to receive new areas.
The development plan for "Am Pariser Tor" will be regulated in the "New City Quarter Former GFZ Barracks (O 53)" development plan procedure. This plan will outline the construction of roads, green spaces, and rainwater retention facilities, following the demolition and decontamination of the old military buildings on the site.
BImA will retain a partial area of approximately 16,000 square meters to create affordable housing for federal employees. This move is expected to contribute to the overall development of the area, ensuring a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces.
As the project progresses, residents and businesses in Mainz can look forward to a revitalized district that promises improved infrastructure, enhanced quality of life, and economic growth. Further details about the development plan and its projected benefits are expected to be announced in due course.
The Economic and social policy of this project includes the creation of urgently needed housing and further development of Mainz as a biotechnology location, as evidenced by the planned settlement of companies like Ganymed Pharmaceutical and BioNTech. The financing for these initiatives will likely be managed through investments, as a portion of the site will be designated for affordable housing for federal employees by the Federal Real Estate Agency (BImA). The development will also contribute to the housing-market by providing new residential spaces, as well as commercial and public areas, thereby boosting economic growth within the city.
