Social Cohesion Ben-Gurion-Ring
Integrated revitalization procedure in accordance with the Federal and state governments’
program “City districts with a special need for development – the Social City” (section 171e of
the German Town and Country Planning Code (BauGB))
Ms. Juliane Liebzeit
fone: +49 (0)69 212 30128
Ms. Anna Furian
fone: +49 (0)69 212 46051
Project description
Reason for planning
In late 2015 the area around Ben Gurion Ring was included in the Federal and state governments’ program entitled “City districts with a special need for development – the Social City". The large 1970s housing development, an extension of the districts, was built as subsidized housing in line with the “Urbanity through Density” strategy. The concept of a self-contained estate is obvious from the isolated location between the established district Bonames, the A 661 interstate, and the commercial zone to the north. The population in the quarter is heterogeneous in structure and furthermore includes people of around 46 different nationalities. In the past, neighborhoods were unable to cope with the various cultures and different generations, not to mention the burdens caused by unemployment, debt, and problems with violence and addiction. Following on from the “Active Neighborhood” scheme conducted until 2005, the “Social City Ben Gurion Ring" will stabilize the development, which has indeed seen better days, and create a quarter it is a pleasure for its residents to live in.
Planning area
Covering a surface area of 31 hectares, the Ben Gurion Ring housing development was built in 1977 by the Neue Heimat housing association. Today, 4,066 people live in a total of 1,604 apartments, of which 330 belong to a community of private owners, 168 to the Nassauische Heimstätte housing association, and 1,078 plus, 196 student apartments to the GWH housing association. The quarter also features a row of shops plus medical practices and two office buildings. The development of land to the northeast will result in a further 340 apartments for approximately 850 new residents. Here, the Social City also aims to promote communication processes between the previous and future resident.s
Planning objectives
On the basis of the integrated approach adopted by the Federal and state governments’ Social City program, the City of Frankfurt/Main aims to preserve the Ben Gurion Ring estate and its subsidized housing. In the interest of the quarter it will upgrade the areas of greenery and open spaces, strengthen the people in the neighborhoods in social terms, promote the
local identity and intercultural integration and influence public perception of the development in a positive way.
Project progress
2015
Inclusion in the “Social City” urban construction support program – since 2020 renamed the “Social Cohesion” program
2016
Kick-off festivals and workshops
2017
Civic participation process for the ISEK “Mach Deinen Bügel”
First meeting of the quarter’s advisory council
City of Frankfurt hires management team for the quarter
Inauguration of the new-look “Am Weiher” playground
since 2018
Ongoing realization of measures and projects
March 2018
Event venue at the Luminale Frankfurt (Festival of Light Culture) with the “better cities” format
January 2020
The City Council adopts the Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK)
Duration of the rent price cap extended for 1,100 publicly subsidized apartments
August 2020
Inauguration of the newly designed interior courtyard at Ben-Gurion-Ring 20-42
November 2020
City Council resolves that the outdoor areas at the “Am Bügel” Youth Center be given a new design
January 2021
Turnkey of the second elevator in the senior citizens home at Ben-Gurion-Ring 110
June 2021
Construction starts on the new design of the outdoor areas at the “Am Bügel” Youth Center
2022
Inauguration of the ADFC repair and technical workshop on Ben-Gurion-Ring 118, initiated and supported by Bürgerinitiative am Bügel e.V.
Hosting the “Eco-Week”
Inauguration of the new sports and leisure grounds at the Jugendhaus “Am Bügel” youth center
Competition for ideas for the southeast entrance to the quarter at Homburger Hohl (carpark deck)
Modernization by GWH of the senior citizens home at BGR 20
Construction of an elevator system in the senior citizens home at Ben-Gurion-Ring 20
Construction start for construction phase 2 of the inner courtyard at Ben-Gurion-Ring 20-42 with gardens for tenants and shared zones
City Council Resolution (§ 2543) on the Master Concept for Renewal of the Green Zone at Ben-Gurion-Ring (concept for outdoor areas) on Nov. 17, 2022
PDF files relating to the project
More information
Integrated Urban Development Concept and
Social City Consultative Council
As part of preparation of the Integrated Urban Development Concept (IUDC), the basis for action for the social urban renewal in Ben Gurion Ring, between March and October 2017 an extensive public participation process took place which provided all local residents with an opportunity to help shape the development objectives for the coming years.
Associated events and workshops identified the needs as well as the potential that could be developed. As experts with regard to everyday life in the quarter, the residents contribute their knowledge to the IUDC and as such help prepare tailor-made projects for the social urban renewal. In October 2017 this participation process was displayed in the district office as part of a public exhibition of the results.
Social City Ben Gurion Ring Consultative Council
In the Consultative Council, 11 to a maximum of 15 local residents meet 10 people representing the institutions based in the “Bügel” district.
The Consultative Councils liaise between their local residents and those running the Social City program. They are contacts for local residents and represent their wishes before the municipal authorities and local politicians. The Consultative Councils are also familiar with current projects and pass on relevant information in the neighborhood.
Furthermore, the Consultative Councils act as advisors with regard to Social City projects: They recommend projects for inclusion in the annual applications for funding and play a role in their planning and implementation. The recommendations of the Consultative Council serve as the basis of discussion for the political bodies.
The Consultative Council is open to anyone living in Ben Gurion Ring. The involvement of local residents is important for the future development of the area! If you would like to become a voting member of the Consultative Council, you should introduce yourself at one of its meetings or contract the district management. Meetings of the Consultative Council are public and are held every six weeks at 6.30 p.m. on a Thursday evening.
Quartiersbüro und -management
In der Ladenzeile-Ben-Gurion-Ring 56 sind Räumlichkeiten angemietet worden, um einen projektbegleitenden Treffpunkt und einen Arbeitsplatz für die Soziale Stadt Ben-Gurion-Ring einzurichten. Das Quartiersbüro ist sowohl ein Begegnungsraum als auch das Büro des Quartiersmanagements mit offenen Sprechstunden. Das Quartiersmanagement als zentraler Ansprechpartner vor Ort informiert über anstehende Entwicklungen und Angebote in der Siedlung.
Kontaktdaten und Sprechstunden des Quartiersmanagements:
Quartiersbüro Ben-Gurion-Ring
"Mach Deinen Bügel"
Ben- Gurion- Ring 56
60437 Frankfurt am Main
Tel: 069/ 500 040 60
Email: qm-bgr@qurban.de
Öffnungszeiten: Mo, Di, Do, Fr 9.00 - 13.00 Uhr, Mo 14.00 – 16.00 Uhr, Mi geschlossen
Contingent Fund
With a view to strengthening its commitment to the common good, the City of Frankfurt is making available to those districts undergoing urban renewal a budget (contingent fund) for the execution of minor local projects and measures. In an unbureaucratic way the fund will enable independent civic activity in the non-investment field.
Do you have an idea that could be used to play an active role in your neighborhood? The City of Frankfurt will be pleased to reimburse you for your efforts.
Initial ideas for projects can be discussed informally with the neighborhood management team.
Click here for the District Advisory Team