Henschel site in Kassel-Rothenditmold
The Henschel-Areal Kassel in Rothenditmold can look back on an eventful history. As one of three large plants of the machine and tool manufacturer Henschel & Sohn the site was built in 1871. Over the course of more than a century, constant expansions, new halls and administration buildings shaped the image of the plant, which manufactured a wide range of products from locomotive parts to machine tools, vehicle components and armaments. Production continued until the 1990s, before the site was finally abandoned and sold several times in the meantime.
Historical significance and current use
Since the middle of the 1990s the former industrial site primarily as storage space and by artists, media and cultural professionals used. The site is also home to the Henschel Museum and the Kassel Museum of Technology. With its listed buildings, the Henschel-Areal Kassel today stands for an important Industrial heritage of the regionwhich also shapes the cityscape.
In order to safeguard these culturally and historically valuable structures, an urban redevelopment is planned. The current uses alone do not guarantee an economically viable perspective, which is why a comprehensive Revitalization and further development is required.
Prospects for the future
First impression of the Henschel site hall
© HGESCH
Second impression of the Henschel-Areal hall
© HGESCH
The ten-hectare Henschel site in Kassel is set to become a versatile, sustainable neighborhood in the coming years. Through a clever mix of preservation of existing buildings, new buildings and moderate densification between 125,000 and 180,000 square meters of gross floor area (GFA) are to be built on the site in future. The planned forms of use will include commerce and industry, services, housing, culture and local amenities as well as social infrastructure.
The first areas are expected to be available from 2026 are available. Companies can rent these in flexible units of 200 to 4,000 square meters. In the long term, this will create a modern urban structure that simultaneously preserves and revitalizes the listed halls.
Advantages for companies relocating here
The Henschel-Areal Kassel benefits from its proximity to the city center, which ensures short distances and good public transport connections.
Future tenants will find a wide range of space, from smaller units (200 m²) to larger commercial complexes (4,000 m²). The site thus offers space for companies from the fields of production, services, crafts and creative industries.
The listed buildings give the site a unique industrial flair. At the same time, the planned new buildings and urban development interventions will create an ultra-modern environment that harmonizes innovation and sustainability.
The planned combination of working, living, culture and social facilities promotes lively urban structures and increases the attractiveness for skilled workers and customers.
Cost-effective construction methods, the preservation of striking historic buildings and targeted densification will create a resource-conserving, energy-efficient district that meets the requirements of sustainable construction.
Strong cooperation for successful development
With Openness and transparency in the planning process was and is a central feature of the development of the Henschel-Areal Kassel. In 2023, an extensive workshop process took place in which representatives from politics, administration, business and civil society worked together to develop ideas and concepts. This was followed by an urban planning competition in October 2024, which was won by the Hamburg-based architecture firm Coido.
This collaborative approach led to the November 2024 the decisive political milestone: The Kassel city council adopts the resolution to prepare the site for the site. The formal development plan procedure will then be initiated, which will be carried out in close coordination between the city of Kassel and the planning offices involved.
Location of the Henschel site
Located in the center of Kassel, this location is characterized by excellent connections:
- 0.3 km to public transport
- 4 km to Wilhelmshöhe ICE train station
- 6.3 km to the highway
- 15.6 km to Kassel-Calden Airport
Hier ist eine OpenStreetMap.
Please accept the cookies to view this map.
Get in touch with us!
Do you have further questions about the website article, or would you like to benefit from our excellent network? We look forward to exchanging ideas with you and would be happy to serve as your competent first point of contact.
Phone: +49 561 70733-50
E-Mail: info@wfg-kassel.de