The Cologne/Bonn Region Visits Bergisches RheinLand
What regional cohesion can look like in practice was impressively demonstrated on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the “Long Day of the Region” in Gummersbach. Just in time for the official start of summer, around 500 guests from across the Cologne/Bonn region gathered under sunny skies and summer temperatures at Halle 32 on the former Steinmüller industrial site. Together, they discussed current challenges and potential for regional development.
Organized by Region Köln/Bonn e.V., this year’s “Long Day”—held annually on June 21 and rotating through different parts of the region—was hosted in close cooperation with the Oberberg district, the REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand initiative, the city of Gummersbach, VfL Gummersbach, and the local savings banks of Oberberg, who also brought along their impressive Sparkassen truck to provide activities for both children and adults.
The day began with a diverse excursion program, which this year focused not only on the Agglomeration Program of the Cologne/Bonn region but especially on the state-funded structural development program REGIONALE 2025. Ten thematic tours led participants through the Oberberg district, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district, and the eastern Rhein-Sieg district. Policymakers, administrators, academics, and business representatives were given exclusive insights into model projects and innovative sites of regional development.
Participants experienced firsthand the REGIONALE’s focus areas—such as repurposing and innovation, circular economy, mobility, civic engagement, culture, and recreation—through inspiring examples: in Hückeswagen, the historic castle is being transformed into an inclusive “Castle for All”; in Lindlar, circular and resource-efficient construction methods are pioneering sustainable urban development. The regional business community also presented itself as forward-looking and innovative—with companies like bicycle tire manufacturer Schwalbe, ALHO Systembau GmbH, and ABUS Crane Systems showcasing sustainable and technological responses to current challenges.
Another key focus was civic engagement, which the state program is specifically designed to promote—highlighted by initiatives like the bioenergy village Lieberhausen, the Genuss-Werkstatt, and the Dorfservice Oberberg, all of which show how people are actively shaping a “good life” in the Bergisches RheinLand.
The long-term and positive effects of REGIONALE initiatives were also evident through completed projects from REGIONALE 2010, such as Schloss Homburg, the revitalized Ohler Wiesen in Wipperfürth, and the transformation of the Steinmüller site in Gummersbach.
This year’s venue for the regional networking event stands as a model of successful project implementation: the 18-hectare area in the heart of Gummersbach has been transformed into a vibrant city district featuring jobs and high quality of life. The former industrial wasteland has become a driver of economic, scientific, recreational, and service development far beyond the city and district—thanks to strategic planning, wise investments, bold political decisions, and substantial private investment. In his welcome speech, Gummersbach’s mayor Frank Helmenstein emphasized the catalytic power of initial funding paired with sound planning.
In addition to a large shopping center, the area is now home to the Gummersbach campus of TH Köln, global IT and engineering service provider FERCHAU, the REGIONALE 2025 project “Innovation Hub Bergisches RheinLand” serving as a networking and innovation hub between science and business, and the Halle 32 event space. The site also hosts the Schwalbe Arena, home to the VfL Gummersbach handball team.
Jochen Hagt, District Administrator of the Oberberg district and Chair of the Steering Committee for REGIONALE 2025 Bergisches RheinLand, emphasized the enormous significance of the model projects showcased annually during the “Long Day of the Region.” Their success, he stressed, is largely thanks to the continued support from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the commitment of regional actors—from politicians and public administrators to engaged citizens. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation beyond district borders, which is expected to continue beyond the program’s timeline. Ongoing collaboration within Region Köln/Bonn e.V. ensures this continuity.
The powerful impact that emerges from strategic support, solidarity, and community engagement was also underlined by Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs, International Affairs, and Media in North Rhine-Westphalia and Head of the State Chancellery:
“What I particularly appreciate about the REGIONALE as a structural program: it’s not a top-down, state-mandated initiative—it is a program by and with a region. It thrives on participation, local expertise, engaged municipalities, creative changemakers, and, most importantly, citizens willing to take responsibility.” This, he said, is not something to be taken for granted—but it is the true recipe for success. At a time when polarization and fragmentation are increasing, the Cologne/Bonn region shows what is possible through collaboration—“across district boundaries, legislative terms, and party lines.”
The region’s strong spirit of cooperation was also reflected in the formal transition of the chair of Region Köln/Bonn e.V. After two successful years, Cologne’s Mayor Henriette Reker symbolically passed the baton to Sebastian Schuster, District Administrator of the Rhein-Sieg district, who will now lead the association for the next two years.
Following the official reception, guests continued their conversations about the region’s future in the Steinmüller site’s city park, enjoying the beautiful summer weather.