Mixed-use plans for Fritz-Walter-Stadium

Article posted by Coliseum, April 27^th, 2022

Image: Fritz-Walter-Stadium, Kandschwar, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Betzenberg (read Fritz-Walter-Stadium) is the favorite haunt of football buffs. And the Fritz-Walter-Stadium could soon become the focal point of a new city quarter in Kaiserslautern (City in Germany) and give a shot in the arm to the economy. Residential units and retail spaces have been planned.

The 49,850-capacity Fritz-Walter-Stadium is the home stadium of 1. FC Kaiserslautern and is located in the City of Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It was one of the stadia used in the 2006 FIFA World Cup™.

The 3.Liga team FC Kaiserslautern or FCK is a German sports club based in Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. In addition to football, the club also indulges in several other sports.

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Mixed-use district

The ‘RPR1’ quoted Dr. Klaus Weichel, Lord Mayor of Kaiserslautern, as stating, “The Fritz-Walter-Stadium should be used as a mixed-use facility and the stadium should not just be about FCK but there should be diverse offerings in the arena for visitors and fans so that it adds zing to their lives as well as to the entire neighborhood. There are plans to convert the whole area in and around the stadium into a mixed-use district.”

Diverse uses

The ‘RPR1’ further stated that as per initial plans, the area encircling the stadium will comprise residential complexes with facilities for the elderly, a day-care center as well as a medical center. A ‘House of Sports’ will provide space for physiotherapy unit, sports schools, clubs, and a sports academy. Event areas, a hotel and a spa are being planned bang opposite the stadium. Office space, multistory car parking zone and restaurants are also being planned.

Apartment blocks and city villas will come up on the outskirts of the quarter.

Coworking spaces and spaces for start-ups could come up in the South stand or in the loge tower of the stadium.

Leg-up

Added Lord Mayor Weichel, “Several rooms in the Fritz-Walter-Stadium lie unused, especially to the East and West of the venue. Even if these rooms are rented out, it will in no way affect fixtures or prove to be a hurdle for the spectators in the South Stand.”

Stated Dr. Stefan Weiler, Managing Director of the Economic Development Agency for the City and District of Kaiserslautern, “If the City of Kaiserslautern has to thrive, then the stadium will have to be remodeled as a mixed-use venue.”

Jingling coffers

The mixed-use district plans should also help jingle the municipality coffers and boost the economy.

Pay back

The masterplan envisages that the income from rent-out areas as well as lease income will help recoup the expenses which will go in transforming the stadium and its surrounding areas into a mixed-use district.

Sustainability matters

Renewable energy will be used and while going about with the mixed-use district plans, the sustainability quotient will be accorded topmost priority.

Residents’ viewpoints

The local residents’ viewpoints will be taken into consideration and in this regard workshops will be held. The stakeholders will also be involved in the above exercise. By early Summer, the citizens have been invited to share their ideas and help steer the stadium mixed-use plans forward.

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