City council adopts design statutes for Bieber town center

The Bieber town center is an area that is important in terms of identity, culture and architectural history. There is an attractive juxtaposition of historic half-timbered houses and Wilhelminian-style residential buildings along the curved horseshoe-shaped alleyways. However, numerous structural interventions have led to changes in the historic town center. For this reason, a design statute was drawn up to preserve the historic town center with its characteristic design. At its most recent meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, the municipal council approved the statutes. However, the design statutes will only become legally binding after approval by the city councillors and a subsequent official announcement.

During the public participation process as part of the "Vibrant Centers" urban development program, it became clear that safeguarding the Bieber town center is of great importance. The design statutes are a practical planning aid. At the same time, it is a legal means of safeguarding the characteristic design of Bieber's town center and counteracting undesirable developments. To this end, the bylaws specify a series of binding regulations on the design of buildings, roofs, façades, window and door openings, advertising structures, open spaces and outdoor facilities as well as technical installations. The design statutes take into account contemporary residential requirements and current efforts to protect the climate and promote sustainable inner city development.

Various measures are intended to facilitate their application. For example, owners will receive professional support and advice from the district architect, Thekla Sturm. Financial support is also being considered and is currently being developed as an incentive program together with the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport and Housing.

Information on the incentive program can be found at www.offenbach.de/mitte-machen. Information on free advice from the district architect is also available there or directly from Thekla Sturm on 069 63307176 or by e-mail at thekla.sturmammonsturmde