Zehlendorf-Mitte: 25 million for a lively city center!

Zehlendorf-Mitte: 25 million for a lively city center!

On September 2, 2025, the Zehlendorf-Mitte area was officially included in the “Living Centers” urban development funding program. This program aims to develop neighborhoods that are both forward-thinking and vibrant. With its inclusion in this funding program, Zehlendorf-Mitte will be selected as one of four new areas to benefit from comprehensive urban development. The first tender processes under this program are scheduled to start in early 2026, which will pave the way for concrete measures.

The aim of the funding measures in Zehlendorf-Mitte is to create an attractive and use-oriented district center. The main tasks include increasing the quality of stay as well as the climate-friendly and sustainable design of public spaces. Furthermore, the focus will be on strengthening the social and cultural infrastructure. The city administration will also promote new mobility solutions and improve road safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Financial support and measures

A total of around 25 million euros in urban development funding is earmarked for Zehlendorf-Mitte by 2037. Those responsible at the Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing have already initiated the award procedures for the area commissioners. Work in the funding area is expected to start in January 2026. These measures also include the implementation of the Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK), which was developed in a workshop process at the beginning of 2025 with large public participation.

The planning office “S.T.E.R.N. Gesellschaft der behutsamen Stadterneuerung mbH” has taken responsibility for the creation of the ISEK. This concept forms the basis for applying for funding and includes an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the area as well as action planning with an overview of costs and financing. The ISEK is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024 and citizens will be actively involved in the development process. An ideas workshop will take place on November 29, 2023 in the Citizens' Hall of Zehlendorf Town Hall to collect suggestions and ideas from the population.

Overarching context of urban development funding

Urban development funding is an important part of sustainable urban development in Germany and has been supported by the federal government for over 50 years. This is done as part of the 2024 federal budget, which provides 790 million euros for urban development funding. The programs aim to strengthen inner cities and town centers, upgrade socially disadvantaged neighborhoods and create urban development structures that are as sustainable as possible. What is particularly noteworthy is that climate protection measures have been a funding requirement in all programs since 2020.

Various specific programs are planned for 2024. These include “Living Centers” with 300 million euros and “Social Cohesion” with 200 million euros. The “Sustainable City Centers and Centers” program also receives significant funding with a budget of up to 250 million euros. These programs are intended to promote the development and renewal of urban areas and sustainably improve the quality of life of citizens.

The measures in Zehlendorf-Mitte are therefore part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen and further develop urban living spaces in Germany, which strives for a balance between urban development and climate protection.

For further information on urban development funding in Germany, visit the website of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction.

Further details on the developments in Zehlendorf can also be found on Berlin.de and Gazette Berlin.