University realigns two-location strategy
One campus in Siegen city center, one campus on Haardter Berg - this has been the University of Siegen's goal for its structural development since 2016. The University of Siegen is now adapting its two-location strategy to new conditions with the project "Siegen. Knowledge connects" project to the new framework conditions.
"We are firmly committed to 'Siegen. Knowledge connects'. The project offers a unique opportunity to position our university even better in the competition for the best minds and to further sharpen our profile. However, student numbers and space requirements have also changed significantly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We therefore need to realign the guidelines of our construction strategy - in close coordination with the Ministry of Culture and Science in Düsseldorf, for whose support we are very grateful so far," says University Rector Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese.
New guidelines for university construction
The MKW rolled out the "New Master Planning in University Construction" in 2024. In future, individual construction measures will only be possible as part of an overall strategy for all university areas coordinated with MKW and Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb (BLB). The University is preparing this overall strategy intensively and is making every effort to be included in the "New Master Planning in University Construction" by MKW as soon as possible. All properties have already been reviewed, and now the next step is to develop a tailor-made utilization strategy based on actual requirements.
"The 'new master plan for university construction' requires an integrated view of both locations: measures in the city must be included in our strategy just as much as measures on the mountain, the use of new buildings just as much as the renovation of existing properties," explains Prof. Dr. Hildegard Schröteler-von Brandt, urban planner and current member of the University Council, who supports the Rectorate in construction issues.
Projects as part of the new planning
The conversion of the former Siegener Zeitung printing house into the "New Siegen School of Architecture" (NAS) and the use of the "Old Textile Factory" site in Friedrichstraße are also planned - both projects are to be implemented as part of the "New Master Plan for University Construction". The "Hettlage" project , on the other hand, is an individual measure that is to be financed by the state of NRW and is developing along the timeline agreed with MKW.
No use of the Karstadt property
Due to the digitalization of teaching and administration as well as declining student numbers since 2020, the university requires significantly less space. The use of the Karstadt property in the city center will therefore not be pursued any further. "We are concentrating on optimizing our existing space. Significant new leases are currently not possible for economic reasons," says Andreas Düngen, acting Chancellor of the University of Siegen.
The development of the Karstadt property will continue to be accompanied by a real estate laboratory under the direction of Prof. Dr. Thorsten Erl. The aim is to develop a sustainable utilization concept with stakeholders from the city, economy, society and culture. The university strongly supports this process.
