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Second Growth Conference strengthens regional cooperation and presents new impetus for the 2035 growth plan.
As the City of Darmstadt reports, the second Growth Conference on November 28th brought together around 230 representatives from business, science, politics, and civil society at the darmstadtium. The focus was on housing, mobility, and commerce – as well as inter-municipal cooperation between the city and the district. During the event, a cooperation agreement was also signed between the Darmstadt-Dieburg district and the HUB31 Technology and Start-up Center.
Joint growth strategy for the region and city
Mayor Hanno Benz emphasized that sustainable growth can only succeed through close cooperation across the region. Issues such as mobility, housing, social infrastructure, and economic development must be considered together.
District Administrator Klaus Peter Schellhaas highlighted the importance of closely coordinated regional development: Darmstadt and Darmstadt-Dieburg are closely linked economically, geographically, and socially.
Growth plan 2035: Integration of all key future fields
The aim of this intensified cooperation is the new Growth Plan 2035 , which is intended to serve as a common basis for the further development of the entire region. The plan includes:
- economic development and commercial areas
- Mobility and transport
- Urban development and housing construction
- social infrastructure and social participation
- Climate resilience and sustainability
In this context, Benz referred to current projects such as the development of the airfield in Griesheim, the Gehaborner Hof in Weiterstadt, and possible adjustments to the plans for the fairground area towards stronger commercial use.
Exchange with science and industry
Several expert presentations highlighted perspectives for the Darmstadt-Dieburg economic region. Contributions came from, among others, Prognos AG, the city's mobility office, experts in statistics, and social work.
One focus was on the challenges of regional housing provision. Representatives from universities, trade unions, and businesses discussed this topic. Furthermore, the CEOs of Sparkasse Darmstadt and Sparkasse Dieburg provided insights into the significance of the recent merger for the economic region.
The district and HUB31 conclude a cooperation agreement
A key item on the agenda was the signing of a new cooperation agreement between the Darmstadt-Dieburg district and the HUB31 business incubator. This aims to strengthen the region's innovative capacity and further promote start-up activity.
Social responsibility as the basis of a growing city
Later, representatives of the League of Independent Welfare Organizations highlighted the role of social services in a socially responsible urban development. The question of how to reconcile housing construction, costs, and refinancing was also discussed.
At the conclusion of the event, Mayor Benz and District Administrator Schellhaas summarized the results and emphasized the importance of a joint, long-term future process.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/DK)
