Shaping the future of Kraftwerk Frimmersdorf
The decommissioned Frimmersdorf power plant II, once one of the largest lignite-fired power plants in the world, will be transformed into a modern digital centre over the next few years. The site, in the heart of the Rhenish mining area, combines industrial history, sustainable development and economic potential.
A digital park with identity
At the heart of the transformation is developing an innovative digital centre that focuses on sustainability, digitalisation and job development. The 550-metre-long turbine hall will be preserved as a landmark and become part of the new open city centre that combines historical heritage with modern commercial space. The careful combination of modern development and preservation of industrial heritage will transform the site into a place with a unique identity that retains its history while opening up new perspectives.
Flexible commercial space and sustainable mobility
The commercial space is designed to be flexible, offering space for companies of all sizes. Central facilities such as a cafeteria, event and sports areas make the site attractive and lively. The mobility concept focuses on sustainable means of transport and improved public transport connections. Private motorised transport is concentrated in a mobility hub to minimise parking space on each commercial plot. This also allows us to achieve the highest possible efficiency of the commercial areas’ land-use and to keep road space at the digital centre free of stationary traffic.
Climate adaptation and green open spaces
Although the former plant site is heavily characterised by its industrial use, the southern sub-area already has park-like and high-quality roadside greenery. This vegetation typology will be continued across the entire area, giving the industrial park a special identity and recognition value. The entire area follows the sponge city principle and integrates both the Erft’s natural space and existing structures like the Grabenbunker 2 as rainwater retention areas, in order to make the area resilient and climate-adaptive.
Step-by-step development
The transformation will take place in several phases. From 2024, the first areas will be available for reuse, while dismantling of the southern areas will continue into the 2030s. Existing infrastructure will continue to be used and, where necessary, expanded.