Contrasts and similarities – construction is underway in the core of the Potsdam Science Park

This task is challenging. With the exception of a few events and offers for interested citizens, there are not yet too many points of contact between the individual institute campuses and the local population in everyday life. Potsdam’s city administration and the Science Park’s site management are working closely together to realize the vision of a common center that spans a bridge between the more rural residential areas and the international research locations.

“In recent years, we have discussed many problems in detail, but have not actively initiated interdisciplinary and integrated solutions,” admits Bernd Rubelt, Potsdam’s alderman for urban development, construction, economy and the environment. Of course, the enormous growth of the park raises questions among the people living here and also arouses fears. How will the increasing traffic be regulated? How do the new buildings fit into the townscape? Is the quality of life suffering because meadows and fields have to make way for the institutes?

In search of common ground, the city held a whole series of discussions with the local advisory council, the population and the stakeholders of the Science Park. It has become clear again and again that residents, workers and scientists have a common wish: Golm should have an attractive centre. “The population of Golm has a great deal of acceptance and openness to the development of the Science Park,” emphasizes Toralf Schirmag, the responsible project manager of Potsdam’s Economic Development Agency. At the same time, the residents wanted to preserve the identity of the district. The new centre that is now to be created is the result of the discussion process in which all partners have participated. And people are still talking to each other, the process is not yet complete.

Wie könnte sie also aussehen, die einladende Mitte, die die vielen unterschiedlichen Bedürfnisse anspricht? Kleine Geschäfte, ein übersichtliches Wegenetz, Freizeiteinrichtungen, Cafés und Kneipen – das sind die Zutaten, die wohl jedem Quartier einen wohnlichen Anstrich geben. In Golm wird es aber auch in den wissenschaftlichen Einrichtungen und Unternehmenssitzen Räume der Begegnung geben. Die neuen Grundstückseigentümer öffnen sich bewusst für die Öffentlichkeit, bieten in ihren Erdgeschossen Kantinen und Cafés und auch Räumlichkeiten, die etwa von Vereinen oder Seniorentreffs genutzt werden könnten.

Improved public transport – a “perennial favourite”, as Rubelt says – is also at the top of the residents’ wish list. But that alone is not enough. The city is relying on a new mobility concept for the entire location. “Our growth is driven by the environmental network,” explains Rubelt. The additional traffic in Golm caused by the daily journeys of the workers and students here is to be covered by means of transport other than the private car. The location is already very well connected to Berlin and the center of Potsdam by rail. However, the capacities must be expanded, the city demands. Car sharing and a dense network of cycle paths – with a continuous connection to the New Palace – are also among the plans to make it easier to switch to alternatives to the car.

Of course, living space is also an issue. Because Potsdam is growing faster than expected just a few years ago. Living space is scarce, rents are skyrocketing. Students also have trouble finding affordable accommodation in the state capital. In view of the expected 3,000 additional students at the University of Potsdam, there is an urgent need for action. New living space is therefore also being created in the Science Park.

Now it is a matter of implementing the plans and making adjustments in some places. This is because the growth of the site is much more dynamic than expected. The city is already looking for ways to open up new spaces for the Science Park beyond the previously set boundaries. In the ongoing preparatory investigations, 60 hectares north of the park are in the focus of the planners. Not all of it can be built on, Rubelt clarifies. The plans are designed for the long term, and concrete developments can be expected in ten years at the earliest. The surrounding landscape and the structures of the Science Park are to be carefully connected here. It is not for nothing that Golm is defined as a deepening area in the new integrated urban development concept 2035 – here the city expects a special development dynamic and plenty of planning needs.

The first and important steps have already been taken on the way to a “New Golm Centre”, but numerous others still have to follow. However, the goal is clear for the building councillor Rubelt: “We want to and will develop a lively centre with a wide range of uses and offers here in the next few years together with the local stakeholders, a place of encounter and exchange. In essence, it is about nothing less than developing the existing district into an integrated and urban urban district.”

Text: Heike Kampe/PNN | Foto: Airvideo (StaGo)

download PNN special supplement to the Potsdam Science Park from 21.09.2019 here