This study aims to clarify how urban renewal policies have regenerated or transformed Leipzig,
grand city of former GDR (German Democratic Republic), by observing the decrepit neighborhoods
near its town center.
The decrepit housing areas originate from the numerous working class apartments built before WWI,
as they were abandoned during the socialist era after WWII, as well as the period of suburbanization
after the unification of Germany. Being deserted for a long period of time, the buildings are in poor
condition, generating an area with problems of vacant houses and other socio-economic issues. Thus,
there is a bad impression towards this area with a large decline of inhabitants (especially Germans) can
be observed. The low rent and the proximity from the town center has attracted a remarkable number
of foreign populations in the recent years, creating an ethnic appearance.
To improve this situation, urban renewal policies are carried out in Eastern Leipzig with aid from
federal government, state and the EU. These measures include reconstructing empty buildings,
developing parks and parking lots as well as living, language, and employment support to its
inhabitants, and a certain amount of success has been achieved.
However, there is a difference in progress of regeneration among the urban development districts.
Furthermore, outside of these districts, hardly any renewal has been taken place, and many dilapidated
buildings remain. This situation reveals that the renewal of the decrepit housing areas depends on
public investment of urban renewal policies. Attractive areas like the town center draw private
investment, but not in run-down neighborhoods. Therefore, urban renewal is carried out only in
districts where public capital is intensively injected.
In other words, urban renewal in Leipzig is selectively realized in town centers, suburbs, and the
decrepit housing areas by investment from federal governments, states, EU, and private enterprises.
This selective investment generates an apparent contrast in the progress of urban renewal among
Leipzig’s districts.
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