A new stage of development is beginning for Osnabrück's Lok-Viertel. The newly founded Lokviertel Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH will acquire the rights and obligations of the previous Lok-Viertel-OS GmbH as of 1 September 2026, as part of an asset deal. This marks the entry of Bremen-based urban quarter developer Justus Grosse into the project. The company will henceforth be responsible for the infrastructure development, technical planning, and the ongoing marketing of the approximately 22-hectare former freight yard site.
Justus Grosse Real Estate GmbH from Bremen acts as the majority shareholder of the new development company. CIC Projects GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Aloys and Brigitte Coppenrath Foundation, is involved as an active co-shareholder. The management will be taken over by Burkhard Bojazian, who is also the managing partner of Justus Grosse Real Estate GmbH. Professor Dr Felix Osterheider, Chairman of the Board of the Aloys and Brigitte Coppenrath Foundation, will chair the advisory board. The transaction was facilitated by PROWL and Felke Immobilienberatung.
Burkhard Bojazian stated that planning permission was now in place, and the next step would be taken to successively bring the Lok-Viertel to fruition. He emphasised the intention to bring in the company's over 80 years of experience and to initiate the first concrete projects together with local partners. With the transfer to the new company, the initial phase of creating planning permission and revitalising the inner-city area is concluded. Based on the legally binding development plan, construction implementation is now the focus. Future land sales will also be managed by Lokviertel Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH. The familiar contacts within the participating companies will be retained.
Vision for an urban quarter
Professor Dr Felix Osterheider emphasised that a crucial stage was beginning for the Lok-Viertel. He highlighted having gained Justus Grosse as an entrepreneurial partner with expertise in transforming large, formerly commercial sites into vibrant urban quarters. The TABAKQUARTIER in Bremen was cited as a reference, illustrating the potential of the development.
The Lok-Viertel is being developed as a new urban district on the inner-city brownfield site of approximately 22 hectares, which has been unused for over 20 years. The concept envisions the integration of housing, commercial spaces, gastronomy, parks, and innovative energy and mobility solutions. Up to 2,000 homes for around 3,500 people are planned. The overall project is attributed an investment volume of approximately EUR 1.5 billion. Completion is scheduled for 2032. A hub for research, entrepreneurship, students, and start-ups, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, is already being established at the entrance to the area.
First construction steps specified
Justus Grosse can point to experience in revitalising large urban areas, as demonstrated by the example of Bremen's TABAKQUARTIER. This project combines living, working, gastronomy, and leisure across approximately 20 hectares, similar to the planned structure for the Lok-Viertel.
- —Construction is expected to begin in 2026 with the first Mobility Hub, a car park.
- —The start of construction for Justus Grosse's first residential project is scheduled for 2027.
- —This project, named "Lok-Viertel-Höfe", comprises 102 owner-occupied flats.
- —The flats are designed with one to four rooms and living areas from 35 square metres, meeting the KfW 40 QNG standard.
