On May 12 and 13, 2025, the two-day REGIONALE Congress “Let’s Keep Going! Rethinking, Further Developing and Reusing Existing Structures” took place on the Zanders site in Bergisch Gladbach. With sunny weather, a unique location, and a diverse program, the event offered the ideal platform for experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with vacant sites and existing buildings.

Focusing on sustainable urban development, the REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand highlighted the future-oriented potential of existing structures. The event featured expert lectures, interactive formats, guided tours, and an accompanying exhibition. Each day, over 500 participants from planning offices, the real estate sector, academia, administration, and politics took part. Topics covered the full spectrum of structural reuse — from industrial sites to storefronts, from historical to post-war architecture, and from re-use to repurposing. More than 45 speakers showcased real-world transformation projects from the Bergisches RheinLand, North Rhine-Westphalia, and beyond, emphasizing their contributions to climate protection, resource conservation, and livable cities.

The congress was organized by the REGIONALE 2025 agency in cooperation with its stakeholders: Oberbergischer Kreis, Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, and Region Köln/Bonn e.V. The event was supported by the Federal Foundation for Baukultur (Architectural Culture).

Drone Footage Kicks Off on the Zanders Site
The Zanders site – a 36-hectare area in the heart of Bergisch Gladbach – served as a flagship project and fitting location for the congress. As the former paper mill is transformed into a vibrant urban quarter, it exemplifies the values of REGIONALE 2025. A drone video introduced the event, offering a literal overview of the site. Mayor Frank Stein used the footage to illustrate the site’s dimensions and highlight reuse ideas for individual buildings. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and reusing as many structures as possible. He also underlined the REGIONALE’s vital role in advancing the region.

Stephan Santelmann, District Administrator of Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, emphasized the importance of working with existing structures and praised successful regional examples such as the Land Market in Leuscheid, the Rhombus site in Wermelskirchen, and Schloss Hückeswagen.

Renovation Over Demolition
In his keynote titled “Shaping Transformation,” Reiner Nagel, Chairman of the Federal Foundation for Baukultur, called for a new culture of building. He stressed the emotional and historical value of older buildings and advocated for more appreciation of their potential. A recent study by the foundation showed that 90% of respondents consider a building’s design aesthetic a key factor—supporting renovation over demolition and new construction.

Anne Jentgens, Project Manager at the REGIONALE 2025 Agency, then presented the full scope of reuse projects in the region: “REGIONALE 2025 shines a light on the full spectrum of redevelopment — from large-scale brownfield sites to small storefronts, from medieval town centers to post-war architecture, and from municipal to volunteer-led initiatives. We offer a platform for project leaders and promote a respectful approach to our built heritage.”

Expert Forums and Engaging Exhibition
Throughout the congress, participants attended high-level expert forums discussing how disused buildings and brownfield sites can be reimagined. Topics ranged from component reuse and community-oriented revitalization to the climate protection potential of existing structures. The forums took place at three different locations on the Zanders site: the former central workshop (now a multifunctional civic center), the “Museum,” and the former roll warehouse. A striking light installation in the warehouse brought the site’s scale to life.

In the adjacent exhibition at the Kalandersaal, attendees engaged with representatives from federal, state, and regional institutions. Project showcases and funding opportunities provided practical support and inspiration. Notable exhibitors included:
– Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building
– Ministry for Home Affairs, Local Government, Building and Digitalization of North Rhine-Westphalia
– Federal Foundation for Baukultur
– REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand and Südwestfalen
– Kreissparkasse Köln and VR Bank eG
– Region Köln/Bonn e.V.

The exhibition emphasized themes such as sustainable urban development, strengthening vibrant regional centers, integrated mobility and infrastructure, and sustainable commercial spaces. Selected redevelopment projects from across the Cologne/Bonn region were also featured.

Bergisches RheinLand Embraces the Future
A highlight of the congress was a grand reception on May 12, marking the launch of the REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand’s public presentation year. The agency unveiled a video titled “Lust auf Zukunft” (“Desire for the Future”), setting the tone for the coming 15 months of exhibitions and events.

Jochen Hagt, District Administrator of Oberbergischer Kreis and Chair of the REGIONALE Steering Committee, reflected on the region’s project development journey. He emphasized that the REGIONALE is creating lasting value for current and future generations and that collaboration must continue beyond the REGIONALE’s timeline.

Minister Scharrenbach Launches Presentation Year
Ina Scharrenbach, Minister for Home Affairs, Local Government, Building and Digitalization of North Rhine-Westphalia, officially launched the REGIONALE 2025 presentation year in front of over 500 guests. She praised the diversity and quality of the projects, stating:
“The REGIONALEs are engines of economic, social, and urban progress. The Bergisches RheinLand is a treasure, made more visible through the REGIONALE. We’ve strongly supported the local commitment and encourage continued innovation and collaboration.”

Looking Ahead – With a Jazz Soundtrack
Dr. Reimar Molitor, Managing Director of the REGIONALE 2025 Agency, offered a look at the current project landscape: “Together, our many small and large projects contribute to a better quality of life in the Bergisches RheinLand.” He referenced the roughly 100 events planned over the next 15 months to showcase the region’s transformation.

A special musical highlight: internationally acclaimed jazz musicians Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr from Hückeswagen performed selections from their album “Echoes_Sound of Home,” created specifically as a soundtrack for the Bergisches RheinLand.

By the end of the congress, around 1,000 participants had attended the event, exchanging ideas with top experts and leaving the Zanders site with fresh perspectives and inspiration.

More information on the presentation year and REGIONALE 2025 projects: www.regionale2025.de