The Poolplatz at Steinweg 9 in Merzenich is set to become a place of connection and community once again through its redesign. The Britta and Ulrich Findeisen Foundation for Art and Building Culture welcomes the municipality of Merzenich’s implementation plan, as the square represents not only a spatial but, above all, an identity-forming addition to the CUBITY Atelier House. Through their cultural and scientific grounding in Merzenich, CUBITY and the Poolplatz together create a space for future-oriented topics and social exchange.
The planning and funding processes for the project have been completed; however, construction of the Poolplatz planned by the municipality has unfortunately been delayed, meaning that the redesign of the immediate area around CUBITY is not yet possible.
Making Structural Change in the Rhenish Mining District Visible
Redesigning the Poolplatz is an important step in Merzenich’s urban development. As part of a publicly funded urban development project by the State of North Rhine–Westphalia, the square is intended to once again become a place of community while integrating the CUBITY Atelier House. In doing so, the square is meant to reflect not only urban planning goals but also the spirit of the future and the structural transformation of the town in terms of content.
To achieve this goal, the municipality of Merzenich, as the project sponsor, plans to redesign the Poolplatz and transform it into a barrier-free place to spend time for Merzenich’s residents. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
Revitalizing the Poolplatz as a Central Meeting Place in Merzenich
The Poolplatz has existed since 1801 and was a popular gathering place in the past. The square is located in an area affected by a tectonic fault zone, whose effects became increasingly noticeable as the nearby open-pit mine moved closer. As a result of the structural damage caused to surrounding existing buildings, these structures had to be demolished. This led to the loss of the western edge of the square, which will be restored as part of the redesign project.
Presentation of the First Funding Approval for the Redesign of the Poolplatz
From late 2019 through spring 2020, a limited urban design and open-space planning competition was held for the redesign of the Poolplatz, involving architectural firms and landscape planners. First prize was awarded to LILL + SPARLA Landscape Architects Cologne and Stefan Schmitz BDA Architects. From August 19 to September 2, 2024, the draft development plan Merzenich C2a “Poolplatz” was publicly available for review at the Merzenich municipal administration.
On September 8, 2025, State Secretary Daniel Sieveke presented the first funding approval under the Rhenish Mining District Structural Development Program (STEP RR) to Mayor Georg Gelhausen at the CUBITY Atelier House. The state government is providing approximately €5 million for the redesign of the Poolplatz. The project will be implemented in close cooperation between the municipality, private property owners, and RWE Power AG, with construction work scheduled to begin in spring of this year.
The Britta and Ulrich Findeisen Foundation for Art and Building Culture hopes for a timely implementation of the Poolplatz redesign and looks forward to being able to offer guests of CUBITY an even higher quality of stay in the surrounding area in the future.
© Cover image: Municipality of Merzenich
Further information about the redesign of the Poolplatz can be found on the website of the Municipality of Merzenich, as well as on the website of the Ministry of Homeland Affairs, Municipal Affairs, Building and Digitalization of the State of North Rhine–Westphalia and the NRW.Urban website.
For information about the project, please contact Mr. Lennart Schminnes, Head of Building and Planning, Municipality of Merzenich.
Related article: “Merzenich Receives Funding Approval for the Redesign of the Poolplatz”
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