C-Werk GmbH, a sister company of Landmarken, has purchased the site of the former Continental AG tire factory in Aachen. The site will be developed in two stages: while manufacturing companies will be established in the short term, an attractive, sustainable neighborhood will be created in the long term—complemented by the Hutchinson site next door.
Neighborhood development is urban development. And it is a very complex task—especially when it comes to transforming entire districts that are in dire need of renewal. Like Rothe Erde. Long dominated by industry – and in some cases still today – this district in the east of Aachen is currently undergoing a transformation, which the companies of the Landmarken family are helping to shape.
Continental – former tire factory becomes a district-defining neighborhood
When a large industrial company leaves a location, it is always a serious blow. This was the case with Opel in Bochum, and it was also the case with Continental AG in Aachen when it announced in 2020 that it would be closing its large tire factory after 90 years. But such a closure can also open doors to new opportunities – in Bochum as well as in Aachen.
"With the signing of the purchase agreement, the traditional factory site can embark on a new, promising future," says Manfred Moll, head of the former Continental tire factory in Aachen. "Landmarken has proven expertise in the development of industrial districts and has already implemented many projects in the Aachen region and beyond in a convincing and successful manner."
When the property is handed over in July, the site will be ready for immediate development. "We will be able to offer attractive production space for companies from all sectors in Aachen as early as this summer thanks to the existing infrastructure," says Yannick Reichelt, project manager at Stadtmarken GmbH, which operates and markets the site. twenty-seven halls with a total area of 70,000 square meters can be occupied quickly, including some that are specially suited for the manufacture, processing, or storage of rubber products. "We are delighted to be able to create new employment opportunities here at short notice and to support companies in their expansion," Yannick Reichelt continues.
We take a comprehensive and holistic approach to our focus on neighborhood development. Our stance results in high standards of quality and acceptance. In partnership with cities and through a variety of participation formats, we always achieve the best solution.
The full strength of the Landmarken family comes into play: neighborhood development expertise at Landmarken, experience with urban production and light industrial at ecoPARKS, and marketing and operational expertise at Stadtmarken and Urban Village.
As in other parts of the city, we are in close contact with the city of Aachen, particularly with the economic development department, with whom we have regular coordination meetings.
The long-term goal is to make C-WERK a vibrant neighborhood and an important component of urban development. The area is to be developed step by step and supplemented with new buildings. Studies are currently being reviewed. "To this end, we are in close contact with the city of Aachen and its economic development agency," says Wilm Schwarzpaul, managing partner of ecoPARKS GmbH, which is driving the project forward together with the neighborhood development team at Landmarken. "We are combining our respective strengths to achieve the best possible result."
"We are developing C-WERK, with its excellent transport links, into a sustainable neighborhood for urban production, light industry, and commerce," adds Dr. Sebastiaan Gerards. The head of the Landmark Unit Neighborhood Development is convinced of the location, which will remain in the company's portfolio in the long term. "With our expertise and in close coordination with the city of Aachen, the transformation will be a success. We will create an environment here in which new jobs in production will be created, combined with complementary uses such as offices, restaurants, and cultural facilities." In this way, the development can become a real added value for Rothe Erde and thus for the entire city of Aachen.
