Customs training center and commercial space planned on former airfield site
Planning for the future use of part of the former Griesheim Airfield is entering its next phase. On August 19, 2026, the Darmstadt City Council approved the public display of development plan W 67 and the 18th amendment to the land-use plan. The next steps are contingent upon approval by the City Assembly.
The planning area is located in western Darmstadt, directly bordering the Griesheim district. In the northern section, the planning permission is to be obtained for a new operational training center of the General Customs Directorate (ETZ). An industrial park is planned for the southern section.
Since the scope of the planning was slightly adjusted, the city council also decided to amend the respective resolutions to prepare the development plan and to amend the land use plan.
Citizens and authorities can comment
If the city council approves the proposals, they will be made available for public review. During this process, citizens and authorities can submit comments on the plans.
“Subject to the approval of the city council, we are giving citizens and authorities the opportunity to participate in this planning process with the public disclosure resolution,” explains planning officer Paul Georg Wandrey.
The planning aims, firstly, to enable the project of the Federal Agency for Real Estate, which, according to the city, represents critical infrastructure. Secondly, it aims to develop additional commercial space.
Guidelines for climate protection and greening
According to the city, it places particular emphasis on sustainability and compliance with existing climate protection regulations for new buildings. "This aspect was a primary focus for us when drawing up the development plan, in order to ensure compliance with sustainability requirements," said Wandrey.
The development plan includes provisions for the use of renewable energies. Solar energy is to be utilized on at least 60 percent of the roof surfaces and above open parking areas. In addition, there are requirements for green roofs and facades, as well as for the greening of open spaces on the properties. Rainwater management is also to be carried out on the respective properties.
From airfield to new industrial site
Griesheim Airfield is also known as the former August Euler Airfield. Aviation pioneer August Euler founded the first German airfield and the first German aircraft factory there in 1908. Between 1945 and 1992, the site was known as "Darmstadt Army Airfield" or "Griesheim (Army) Airfield".
Since 2005, the runway has been restricted to use for teaching and research purposes. Following the cessation of its use as an airfield, the federal government, through the Federal Agency for Real Estate, is now planning a partial repurposing of the area.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
