Germany – Engineering Services for Development of Wasserkamp Area

The city of Hildesheim is planning the development of a sustainable urban district due to the increasing demand for housing. This new district will be located in the Wasserkamp area, covering nearly 46 hectares, situated between the neighborhoods of Marienburger Höhe - Galgenberg and Itzum - Marienburg, as well as the Innerste nature reserve. The development is based on an urban framework plan that includes specific concepts for mobility, energy, water, and climate protection. The planned district consists of six distinct 'islands', each with its own character, allowing for phased development based on the potential of each island. Hildesheim aims to reduce motorized individual traffic while promoting alternative and sustainable mobility forms. A mobility infrastructure is planned in line with the '15-Minute City' concept, enhancing the attractiveness of pedestrian and cycling networks and ensuring efficient public transport access to social hubs, workplaces, and local services. To minimize car usage, parking will be centralized in five strategically located garages, which will also accommodate various sharing options, bicycles, e-scooters, and necessary energy centers. The locations of these mobility stations are chosen to serve as central meeting points within the district. Access to individual homes will primarily support pedestrian and cycling traffic, as well as supply and emergency services, with no private car parking on residential properties. The planning aims for an economically efficient development. The traffic infrastructure planning will be based on the urban framework plan, focusing on establishing the groundwork for the development plan. A feasibility study for the planned cycling priority route will also be commissioned in autumn 2025, coinciding with the start of this planning task. The cycling route will be divided into five planning sections, with Wasserkamp assigned to the second section. The study will primarily examine the necessary crossing of Marienburger Straße and its impact on adjacent junctions, with results expected in early 2026 to be integrated into the planning process. A key element of the development planning is future-oriented rainwater management and flood prevention for extreme rainfall events, contributing to a climate-adapted city. The Wasserkamp area will be designed according to the 'Sponge City' concept. Further information on the design and related mobility, energy, and climate protection concepts can be found in the urban framework plan. To ensure all essential infrastructural requirements are met, the planning will be coordinated with various departments of the city of Hildesheim, including urban planning, monument protection, green planning, the disability council, the fire department, and utility providers (SEHi and EVI), while considering third-party plans.