Dresden will present a portfolio of four development quarters at EXPO REAL 2026, primarily designed for residential construction and mixed-use concepts. The cumulative potential of these sites amounts to approximately 250,000 square metres of gross floor area (GFA), enabling the realisation of over 900 residential units.
Two of these projects are already in the tender phase, while for another, the development plan procedure has been initiated. The city is thus responding to the increasing demand for housing, triggered by significant investments in the region's semiconductor industry and the resulting creation of jobs. Stephan Kühn, Councillor for Urban Development, Construction, Transport, and Property of the State Capital Dresden, emphasised that the city is aligning its land policy with this development. He mentioned the establishment of a building application commission to prioritise large-scale projects and the application of the so-called 'Bauturbo' (fast-track construction).
A significant proportion of the areas are ready for construction or are close to it, which should enable investors to realise projects quickly, without lengthy waits for planning permission. The presented quarters are explicitly designed for mixed uses to promote urban diversity and sustainability.
Presented Projects and Potentials
Among the most prominent projects is the Opern-Quartier Dresden with approximately 78,000 square metres of GFA. This quarter, located in close proximity to the Semperoper, is intended for a combination of residential, office, gastronomy, and other commercial uses on the ground floor. The development plan procedure is underway here, and an investor approach has been initiated. Another project is Sachsenplatz, an inner-city development of approximately 15,000 square metres of GFA. Around 100 flats are to be built at this heritage-protected site, complemented by small-scale commercial units. The tender for this 'Bauturbo' project is already running.
The Windmühlenstraße area offers potential for approximately 800 residential units on around 130,000 square metres of GFA, supplemented by social infrastructure and cultural facilities. The 'Bauturbo' is also being applied here; the goal is to have building rights by 2028. Finally, the Operetten-Areal Leuben comprises residential construction (up to 20,000 square metres of GFA for up to 100 flats), a district community centre, and a sports area. For the residential construction area, building rights under Section 34 of the Federal Building Code (BauGB) are already in place, and a nationwide tender is underway.
Detailed Overview of the Quarters
- —Opern-Quartier Dresden: Approx. 78,000 m² GFA, mix of uses including office (62%), residential/local amenities (17%), hotel (10%). Owner is Bertelsmann AG. A project developer is being sought.
- —Sachsenplatz: Approx. 15,000 m² GFA, about 100 flats plus retail and services. Owner is the State Capital Dresden. A buyer is being sought for EUR 4.5 million.
- —Windmühlenstraße Area: Approx. 130,000 m² GFA for around 800 flats, including social infrastructure. Owner is the State Capital Dresden. Investors, developers, and building collectives are being sought.
- —Operetten-Areal Leuben: Up to 20,000 m² GFA for residential (up to 100 flats), plus a district community centre and sports area. Owner is the State Capital Dresden. Purchase price for the residential component from EUR 5 million minus development costs.
