Losheim am See – New, attractive, and sustainable – under this premise, the plans for the modern concept of neighborhood development in the center of Losheim were recently presented during a citizen information event. The main focus is on the area north of Obere Saarbrücker Straße, which is to be fundamentally redesigned. Last year, the Saarbrücken-based planning office presented the concept to the political committees; now the information was shared with the Losheim population. Managing Director Luca Kist explained the current state of planning in his presentation and showed those present, using detailed plans and graphics, the changes envisaged for the center of Losheim.
“The main focus in the town center is on the areas of culture and school as well as shopping, gastronomy, and housing,” was the conclusion of the inventory analysis by Luca Kist, who, along with his team, has many years of experience as landscape architects and urban planners. “There are hardly any commercial vacancies in the center of the lake community; on the other hand, the demand for housing remains unabated, and stationary traffic as part of mobility is also a significant factor for many residents as well as visitors from outside.”
Overall, the urban planner attested to good connectivity within the Losheim town center, but there is great potential to sustainably improve the quality of stay and the use of existing spaces. In particular, the planning concept sees redevelopment opportunities in five areas to further develop the "Obere Saarbrücker Straße" quarter into a coherent overall ensemble: the surroundings of the so-called "Schlösschen," which is divided into a forecourt and an open space on the current parking lot that could be redesigned into a "New Market"; a promenade that runs through the quarter as a connecting element; an access road to a potential underground garage beneath the current parking lot; and the private courtyards located within the quarter.
The Schlösschen Promenade is planned as an avenue lined with trees and abundant greenery, where climate-resilient planting is intended to enhance the quality of stay and help counteract surface sealing. The promenade leads towards the school center and is designed as a pedestrian zone specifically aimed at families and older people, while also serving as a meeting place for children and youth. The current parking lot next to the Schlösschen could be repurposed as a "New Market," combining many different aspects. Green spaces with seating areas, dining options, and a section with water fountains could invite visitors to enjoy the outdoors. Adjacent new buildings could provide space for medical practices, office rooms, and apartments, while simultaneously emphasizing the market character through their façades. To ensure sufficient parking space for residents and guests, the concept includes an underground garage with around 70 parking spaces, with access and exit potentially from Schulstraße.
With the redesign of the adjacent private courtyards, residents could jointly create a new parking situation and, through the merger, practically private communal outdoor spaces, which are otherwise more commonly known from urban settings of historic building neighborhoods. The bus stop at the little castle, an important public transport hub, would remain. The little castle forms the focal point of the plans and could be revitalized as a historic building with an extension and cultural center through the redesign of its surroundings and garden area. The footpath on the opposite side of the street could also be widened according to plans, enhancing the stay quality for café visitors.
Overall, the audience received the ideas and planning proposals very positively and with great interest. The topic of moving and stationary traffic in the town center occupied many attendees during the subsequent question-and-answer session. Both city planner Luca Kist and the mayor of Losheim, Helmut Harth, listened to the suggestions and objections and indicated that increasing the quality of life and living would be the top priority in the presented conceptual designs, and that traffic experts would also be consulted in the further planning process.
"Here we have the opportunity to develop a new, identity-forming town center that will become a true heart of Losheim, taking into account the safety aspects and quality of life of the residents, while also considering the concerns of motorists and business owners," was the summary by Mayor Helmut Harth that evening. "The project can be funded by state funds up to 70 percent, which is a decisive prerequisite for the implementation of the measures, as the municipality of Losheim am See cannot manage such a large-scale project alone. In addition, the proposed building projects are to be realized with the help of private investors. As a municipality, we will also reach out to all property owners within the quarter, because together we can achieve much more in a project of this magnitude. The urban development project in the town center of Losheim will also radiate beyond that to strengthen the entire municipality. The first public step is this citizen information event, and I speak on behalf of the political representatives from the local and municipal councils as well as the municipal administration when I thank the people of Losheim for their great interest."
The presentation with all plans and additional information can be found on the municipal website at www.losheim.de/bauen-tourismus-wirtschaft/bauen/staedtebau.
