"Social cohesion" urban development programme


Initial situation

With the inclusion of the "Zuhause im Zentrum" project in the federal funding programme "Zukunftsfähige Innenstädte und Zentren", the decision was made in 2022 to sustainably develop and design the area around Puiseauxplatz.

Various basic principles for structural redesign measures were developed as part of the funding programme, for example

However, implementation could not be financed via this funding programme due to the minor importance of structural-investment measures and the limited programme duration (until 2025).

A related funding programme was therefore sought for the implementation of the extensive urban development measures around Puiseauxplatz. The "Social cohesion" urban development programme offered a good opportunity for this.


Aim of the funding programme

The "Social cohesion" urban development programme supports cities and municipalities in upgrading districts with particular social, structural or economic development needs. The aim is to improve public spaces, expand social services, strengthen citizen involvement and promote local co-operation. The aim is to improve people's living and housing conditions in the long term.


Course

Initially, the city of Rodgau's application to include the "Zuhause in Nieder-Roden" development area in the "Social Cohesion" urban development programme was rejected by the responsible ministry for the years 2024 and 2025.

In November 2025, it was announced that the area could be included in the funding programme from 2026. On the basis of the resolution already passed by the city council, the administration has now started to draw up the integrated urban development concept and set up the planned management structure.


Questions & Answers

  • Which area is supported by the "Social cohesion" funding programme?

    Compared to the "Zuhause im Zentrum" development programme, the designated development area has been expanded in certain areas and extends from Schulstrasse south of the railway tracks to the densely built-up residential areas on Seestrasse. The railway crossing was included in order to promote links between the town centres. The expansion is primarily aimed at integrating socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods, as the programme specialises in this area. A minor adjustment to the area boundaries can be made as part of the preparation of the integrated urban development concept.

  • Which fields of action are part of sustainable social neighbourhood development and how can these be transferred to Nieder-Roden in concrete terms?

    Fields of action

    Social and cultural infrastructure and educational centres
    • Modernisation, expansion and new construction of local community facilities
    • Creation of places for extracurricular education, e.g. for afternoon care or language courses

    Specifically for Nieder-Roden , this means:
    A new district centre is to be built for the ageing social centre in Nieder-Roden.

    Neighbourhood coexistence, integration, inclusion and participation of all population groups
    • Use of e.g. neighbourhood centres and neighbourhood houses as places to meet close to home
    • Support for neighbourhood networks and structures
    • Creation of suitable participation structures and formats

    Specifically for Nieder-Roden , this means

    • Organisation of neighbourhood parties
    • Creation of new meeting places, such as neighbourhood cafés
    • Outreach work with "mobile programmes" for young people
    • Linking up with established community work structures
    • Creation of a meeting and communication space on Puiseauxplatz

    Public spaces and open areas for socialising, leisure, exercise, sport and health
    • Public and local open spaces
    • Improvement of the design and quality of stay
    • Creation of exercise-promoting open spaces

    Specifically for Nieder-Roden , this means

    • Implementation of the measures from the design concept
    • Creation of a meeting and communication space on Puiseauxplatz

    Climate protection, climate impact adaptation, green-blue infrastructure and environmental justice
    • Measures to reduce the ambient temperature
    • Improvement of the microclimate through shading, unsealing and water areas

    Specifically for Nieder-Roden , this means

    • Enhancement of heavily sealed urban areas through greening
    • Connected green links
    • Floor-to-ceiling water feature on Puiseauxplatz

    Sustainable mobility
    • Creation of good transport connections
    • Strengthening sustainable mobility, especially local mobility through cycling and walking

    Specifically for Nieder-Roden, this means

    • Implementation of the measures from the sub-regional mobility concept
    • Strengthening pedestrian and cycle traffic
    • sensible routing
    • Expansion of bicycle parking spaces
    • Expansion of e-charging facilities


Funding examples

  • Public relations work to involve and activate residents and all stakeholders in the development area
  • Creation or redesign of open spaces such as public squares, green areas, playgrounds and sports grounds
  • Construction of public footpaths and cycle paths, environmental and nature conservation measures in residential areas, such as the creation of fresh and cold air channels
  • Creation or maintenance of community and follow-up facilities through new construction or modernisation
  • Establishment of a disposition fund for greater participation and involvement of local stakeholders in the development area



Overview map of the subsidised area

An overview of the funding area of the "Social cohesion" urban development programme - also available to download