DLE Land Development GmbH (DLE), based in Berlin, is developing the area known as “RheinOrt” on behalf of the owner in Duisburg (North Rhine-Westphalia), situated on the right bank of the Rhine, into an urban working and residential quarter covering an area of 24 hectares. As a significant starting point for the necessary soil remediation on the site, a declaration of commitment has now been adopted, defining the approval framework for the upcoming remediation work. According to this declaration, DLE is planning to commence the remediation work on a 40,000 square meter portion in January 2024.

The former industrial site in the Duisburg-Hochfeld district is in close proximity to the “RheinPark,” which will host one of three “Future Gardens” during the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) in 2027. The timely initiation of soil remediation work aligns with the schedule for organizing the IGA.

Dr. Simon Kempf, Managing Director of DLE Land Development GmbH, stated, “The development of ‘RheinOrt’ is an exciting transformation project for DLE, supporting the city of Duisburg in its endeavor to transform the formerly industrially influenced right bank of the Rhine into an attractive and livable quarter. Thanks to the commitment declaration, we can now start the soil remediation work promptly. I would like to express my gratitude to the regulatory authorities and representatives of the city of Duisburg for their targeted and constructive collaboration.”

Nicolas Sauerwein, Project Manager of DLE Land Development GmbH, added, “For our project planning at ‘Rheinort,’ urban planning, drainage, and soil remediation are the key pillars. The timely start of the remediation work lays the foundation for all subsequent activities in the planning area. This solidifies our aim to create a modern and attractive residential quarter directly on the Rhine waterfront.”

DLE received competent support from project partners in various fields, including Weber Ingenieure (drainage), Niemann + Steege (urban planning), and Geo id GmbH (remediation). The urban development concept for the “RheinOrt” quarter aligns with the conditions for an urban, mixed-use area. A focus will be on the needs of social infrastructure, with DLE emphasizing a sustainable design to meet future requirements for economic and ecological efficiency. The design follows the forward-thinking concept of the 15-minute city, ensuring good accessibility by spatially integrating living, working, and infrastructure. The consideration of the sponge city principle and other elements for achieving climate neutrality are also treated as planning goals by DLE.

The nearby and cityscape-defining green and open spaces positively influence the quarter’s development and the attractiveness of “RheinOrt.” The International Garden Exhibition (IG) taking place in close proximity in 2027 will further contribute to enhancing the attractiveness and quality of life in the new “RheinOrt” quarter.