Racetrack scene emerging as potential solution for housing scarcity?

The racetrack area in Bremen could potentially become a hub for a mix of housing types, as plans for its development gain momentum. This initiative, supported by Senator of Economics Kristina Vogt and the Bremen Chamber of Commerce, aims to address the city's long-standing housing shortage.

According to André Grobien, President of the Chamber of Commerce, the racetrack area's proximity to many major employers makes it particularly important. He emphasises that smart planning in the area could trigger additional investments in transport connections, local supply, and social infrastructure, thereby improving the location quality.

The development of the former racetrack area for residential construction is seen as a key project in alleviating the housing issue in Bremen. With very few contiguous plots of land left suitable for larger residential construction, this initiative could make a significant contribution to easing the housing situation and meeting the demand for modern, affordable housing.

Grobien also highlights that the development could enhance the suitability of the area for residential construction, given its proximity to major employers. He suggests that upgrading the racetrack area could enhance the quality of life in the future neighbourhood, particularly in the districts of Vahr, Hemelingen, and Sebaldsbrück.

However, it's crucial to seize this opportunity, Grobien states, as the city has been missing its own targets for new housing for years. This has led to a tightening housing market with rising property prices and decreasing supply. To ensure the quality of life in the future neighbourhood, a substantial portion of the racetrack area should remain publicly accessible and landscaped, as originally intended.

The development of the former racetrack area is expected to trigger improvements in local supply and social infrastructure. The Bremen Chamber of Commerce, in support of Senator Vogt's initiative, sees this as a great opportunity to address the increasing housing shortage in the city.

It's worth noting that the initiative for the development of a similar area, the Tempelhofer Feld in Berlin, was started by the citizens' initiative "100 % Tempelhofer Feld" in September 2011. However, this specifically relates to Berlin's Tempelhofer Feld and not Bremen.

Despite this, the development of the racetrack area in Bremen could potentially serve as a model for sustainable urban development, enhancing the city's appeal and providing much-needed housing solutions.