Zwickau Invests Millions in the Redevelopment of Planitzer Market
A significant revitalization project is set to transform the Planitzer Market in Zwickau, Germany. The City Council is expected to give its final approval next week for the start of construction in March. The contract will be awarded to a company based in Rodewisch, Vogtland.
A New Era for the Planitzer Market
The redevelopment of the Planitzer Market will completely transform the district into an “experience plaza,” according to Silvia Queck-Hänel, the construction councilor. The leisure area with a playground will be expanded, and Zwickauer Straße, the main road, will be slightly shifted. While the iconic pyramid will be relocated, it will still remain a symbol of the market square. The overall project is estimated to cost €5.5 million, with approximately €2.5 million provided by the state. The project includes three phases and is scheduled to be completed by autumn 2026.
“The Planitzer Market will undergo a complete overhaul, becoming a vibrant and attractive destination for residents and visitors alike,” says Queck-Hänel.
A Sustainable Future
Amidst the redevelopment plans, the future of the historic Schocken department store, built in 1911 and currently in a dilapidated state, remains uncertain. While the city owns the building, there is a potential buyer interested in restoring it to its former glory.
“We have a potential buyer who intends to renovate the building in accordance with historical preservation standards,” stated a city spokesperson.
Long-Awaited Transformation
Plans for the revitalization of the Planitzer Market have been in discussion since the turn of the millennium. In 2020 and 2022, the City Council approved the project through two separate resolutions.
This redevelopment project marks a significant step forward for Zwickau, with the Planitzer Market set to become a thriving hub of activity and a cherished destination for locals and tourists alike.