An industrial park that delivers more

Many municipalities are facing significant pressure to find new land. Land is scarce, yet the demand from the housing and business sectors is enormous. And the green fields that are easy to develop are becoming increasingly scarce. A dilemma that calls for new approaches. In Freiburg, the Areal Nord project is taking a different path, one that uses the scarce resource of land more efficiently while simultaneously moving away from the traditional, faceless, and parochial perspective.

The difference starts with the site itself. In the North District, the focus is on infill development and efficiency: companies operate and manufacture in multi-story buildings, green spaces replace asphalt, and shared, synergistic infrastructure is in place. What would be uneconomical on its own becomes a locational advantage through cooperation, giving companies more leeway to focus on their core business. Facilities such as a daycare center, a mobility hub, or neighborhood amenities are elements you won’t find in traditional industrial parks. Here, they are specifically planned for. Ultimately, these are concrete advantages in the competition for skilled workers. To attract and retain good employees, you need more than just a competitive salary. You need an environment that truly stands out.

The city of Freiburg is gaining an industrial area that contributes to the overall quality of the city rather than draining it. Climate adaptation, nature and species conservation, and the “sponge city” principle make the Areal Nord a cornerstone of sustainable urban development. Local value creation increases, the infrastructure operates more efficiently, and the location’s appeal extends beyond the Breisgau metropolis.

What is taking shape in Freiburg serves as a model for others. In aging industrial and commercial areas, the pressure is mounting to retain existing businesses, attract new ones, and meet climate goals—all of which calls for innovative solutions. The Areal Nord demonstrates that an industrial area can be efficient, attractive, and sustainable all at once. It provides concrete, real-world proof of how restructuring can succeed: with bold urban planning, clear quality standards, and the willingness to think outside the box.