The C-Werk site is one of the largest contiguous development areas in downtown Aachen. Here, we intend to seize this unique opportunity to open up what has previously been a closed-off industrial site and transform it into a forward-looking neighborhood for commerce, manufacturing, offices, sports, recreation, and dining.
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Current Situation: Overcoming the Industrial Barrier
The master plan—coordinated with the city and integrated into the overall development of the Rothe Erde district—forms the basis for a phased restructuring that enables sustainable and economically viable development. The goal is to create a diverse, vibrant location that responds to new ways of working, manufacturing, and conducting research.
The C-Werk will become a hub for innovation and collaboration. An urban commercial site that reinterprets the integration of industry, skilled trades, the creative economy, and office space within a sustainable neighborhood structure—a vibrant, mixed-use space for commerce, production, and offices. To make the neighborhood more attractive to tenants, sports, recreational, and dining amenities are being planned and developed from the outset.
With good public transportation connections, new paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and a clearly structured access system for trucks and cars, a robust, flexible, and sustainable neighborhood with a high quality of life is emerging.
First steps and targeted initiatives
→ Minimal interventions to open up the site and make it visible.
→ Initial conversions of existing structures: entrance hall, offices, workshops.
→ Existing halls will continue to be used and supplemented with new spaces.
→ At the same time, high-performance infrastructure is being developed, such as a grid connection point, heat supply, battery storage, and a turbine
The individual phases
→ The site will be expanded and better connected. Attractive entrances, clear pathways, and new sightlines will strengthen the connection to the surrounding area, while ensuring that ongoing operations remain fully unaffected.
→ Visible transformation: Further demolition creates spacious open areas for innovative new buildings and flexible interim uses.
→ Finally: further densification, structuring, and expansion.
The result is a modern, energy-efficient commercial district with distinct landmarks, a high quality of life, and optimal connectivity—a dynamic location that combines work, production, and innovation in a forward-looking way.
The transformation of the C-Werk preserves the historic atmosphere and distinctive elements wherever possible. At the same time, space is created for something new. Through the careful handling of the industrial fabric, a tension arises between memory and renewal, where past, present, and future converge.
Distinctive elements such as chimneys and brick architecture are preserved as key symbols of identity. At the same time, structures are being broken down, and new paths and spaces are being created—serving as vital catalysts for the site’s new identity.
“C-Werk is more than just a business hub. We are creating a space that brings together companies, employees, and the local community—a vibrant, innovative, and forward-thinking environment.”
Julia Hesse, Managing Director of The Urban Village GmbH
Traffic flows at the C-Werk
Traffic flows through the C-Werk are clearly separated and intelligently coordinated. A continuous truck loop allows for complete circulation around the site and ensures efficient, conflict-free logistics for deliveries and production—even during the transformation phases and while operations are ongoing. At the same time, a separate car access network ensures good connectivity between the individual construction sites with short distances and clear access routes. Above all, however, the C-Werk, which is excellently connected to public transit, promotes sustainable mobility for the future.
The existing network of paths for cyclists and pedestrians is being reimagined and consistently integrated into the urban structure. A new bicycle route runs directly through the neighborhood, connecting it to the surrounding district and the Vennbahn Premium Cycle Route. Generous sidewalks ensure easy access to all buildings and public spaces. This reduces motorized traffic and fosters a vibrant, urban atmosphere.
It will serve as a pilot site for the energy transition
The C-Werk has the potential to serve as a model for a sustainable, climate-friendly energy infrastructure. It is already clear that Stadtwerke Aachen (Stawag) will install a hydrogen-compatible gas turbine on the site early next year. Preparations for construction are already underway. Also on the site, the Aachen-based startup Voltfang is implementing a large-scale battery storage system, possibly even in a joint venture with Stawag and C-Werk. The storage system adds a future-oriented energy component to C-Werk’s utilization concept, which also includes PV systems installed on the hall roofs to provide local electricity.
