In Trier-West, the development of a new urban quarter on the former Jägerkaserne site is progressing. The area, covering approximately ten hectares, is being transformed into a vibrant living and residential space that integrates into the existing district. This project, known as “Project in the West”, aims to create urgently needed housing without sealing additional land.
The plan envisages the realisation of around 460 residential units. In addition, new open spaces, play areas, and recreational spaces are planned, which will benefit the entire district. A central element of the development is the unearthing and renaturation of the Irrbach stream, which was previously routed underground. EGP GmbH, a company specialising in the revitalisation of brownfield sites, is implementing the quarter. Consulting and management are provided by Drees & Sommer SE, a consultancy firm focused on construction, real estate, and infrastructure.
Significance of conversion projects
The conversion of areas formerly used for military, commercial, or industrial purposes is gaining importance nationwide. According to the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development, over 60 percent of new urban quarters are created on such conversion sites. Since 2000, more than 300 new urban quarters have been developed across Germany in this way; another 220 quarters with around 285,000 dwellings are currently under construction. Christoph Paulußen, project manager at EGP, highlighted that the repurposing of the Jägerkaserne offers the opportunity to create much-needed housing while sustainably developing Trier-West. The former barracks site is thus becoming a diverse quarter with attractive open spaces, which takes ecological and social concerns into account.
The majority of the new buildings comprise multi-family houses. The first construction phase includes approximately 220 residential units. EGP intends to retain the completed buildings in its own portfolio to ensure permanently affordable and high-quality housing and guarantee the long-term development of the quarter. The architectural design is the responsibility of ARGE “better together”. In addition to housing construction, various open spaces for meeting, recreation, and exercise are being created, including two new playgrounds intended to serve as intergenerational meeting points. These facilities are aimed at both future residents and the population of the entire district. Urban development funding supports the construction within the framework of the “Growth and Sustainable Development” (WNE) programme.
Renaturation of the Irrbach and infrastructure
A significant component of the quarter's development is the unearthing of the Irrbach. The stream, which currently flows underground in a culvert for 1.6 of its 2.1-kilometre path to the Mosel, will be renatured in the area of the new quarter. Max Vogel, Leading Consultant and expert for quarter development at Drees & Sommer, noted that exposing streams of this kind represents challenging projects, as renaturation and existing urban structures meet, and buildings, pipelines, and transport routes must be harmonised. The exposed Irrbach will serve a dual function: it will act as a green backbone with wetland biotopes, providing habitats for flora and fauna, and will contribute to rainwater management by collecting, storing, and delaying the release of rainwater.
The development plan has been legally binding since September 2023. The first construction phase, including the underpass beneath Eurener Straße, has already been completed. The actual unearthing of the Irrbach and the construction of the recreational and amenity areas are planned for the fourth quarter of 2026. Currently, the surfaces are being de-sealed, and the technical infrastructure is being prepared. Drees & Sommer also advises EGP on further conversion projects in Trier, including Castelnau Mattheis and the Burgunder Viertel.
