Public participation in the development plan A 29.1 – Merck Nordost will start shortly
The city council of Darmstadt, a city of science, has paved the way for the construction of a new office and conference building on the northeastern edge of the Merck company premises. In its meeting on May 21, 2025, the council approved the development plan A 29.1 – Merck Northeast and the early public participation process .
building up to 45 meters high is planned for the corner of Frankfurter Straße and Virchowstraße – significantly higher than the currently permitted 20 meters according to the existing development plan A 29. The new plan is intended to amend this plan within its area of application.
Urban planning highlight at the entrance to Arheilgen
The planned high-rise building is intended to form a striking urban landmark at the beginning of the Arheilgen district and simultaneously harmonize with the historic Pützerturm tower in the center of the Merck site. The surrounding open spaces are planned as a green transition zone between the company premises and the district.
“With this development plan, we are strengthening Darmstadt as a city of science,” emphasize Mayor Hanno Benz and Head of Planning Michael Kolmer . “We are creating the legal framework for Merck to invest at the site, while simultaneously ensuring high-quality urban integration.”
Merck site manager Matthias Bürk welcomes the decision: “The aim is to strengthen the future viability of the site and to consistently focus on sustainability in any potential development – with a view to microclimate, rainwater management and biodiversity.” High-density construction should enable land-saving development.
Public participation will begin shortly
The planning documents relating to the "General Goals and Purposes of the Planning" will soon be available for public inspection online at www.darmstadt.de/bauleitplan and at the City Planning Office for a period of one month. Citizens can submit comments and participate during this time.
The city council is also scheduled to discuss the official resolution to adopt development plan A 29.1 at its next meeting. The exact date and time will be announced shortly in the daily press.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/dk)
