Barkauer Land Industrial Estate – planning together, developing sustainably

This question is being addressed by the city of Kiel, the municipalities of Klein Barkau, Großbarkau and Honigsee, the Preetz-Land district administration, and Kiel Economic Development (KiWi), which is acting as the project management body, as part of the development of an inter-municipal industrial estate in the Barkauer Land region.

Plans are being examined for the creation of a new industrial estate covering around 89 hectares south of Kiel, which will strengthen Kiel as a business location and benefit the surrounding municipalities. This collaboration brings together resources across municipal boundaries and opens up the possibility of creating much-needed commercial space for the region. Since the project was launched in February 2025, important foundations have been laid for further planning and development.

Following the launch, a joint project team was formed comprising representatives from the municipalities of Klein Barkau, Großbarkau and Honigsee, the state capital Kiel, the Preetz-Land district office and the district of Plön. KiWi and the Plön District Economic Development Agency (WFA) are steering the process.

In spring 2026, two key components were launched: natural capital accounting and the feasibility study with an urban development framework plan. By signing a letter of intent, the participating local authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to working together.

The feasibility study is intended to examine how the area can be developed and what framework conditions need to be taken into account. Building on this, the urban development framework plan will form the basis for further spatial planning.

The natural capital accounting process:

A key feature of the project is the accompanying natural capital accounting. This examines the ecological services that the land currently provides and how these can be taken into account in future development. Among other things, biodiversity, climate protection and climate adaptation are considered.

In June 2026, the findings to date were presented and discussed at a workshop attended by members of the public, local authorities and the project team. The focus was on questions such as: What significance do existing green spaces have for plants and animals? How much carbon do soils and woody plants store? And what role do land areas and vegetation play in absorbing rainwater and cooling the area?

The findings are intended to help make different development scenarios comparable and to incorporate nature-friendly development into the planning process at an early stage. This ensures that the ecological perspective is taken into account from the outset, alongside economic and spatial requirements.

In August 2026, the first public information session on the feasibility study and framework planning took place. Representatives from the participating local authorities, Plön District, the City of Kiel, KiWi and the commissioned team of experts from LAND Research Lab provided information on the study area, the approach and the next steps.

The participants raised numerous questions, comments and suggestions. Topics discussed included the management of natural resources, potential noise and odour pollution, transport links, and the question of which sectors and businesses might be suitable for the area. Expectations regarding sustainable and spatially compatible development, as well as improved transport options, were also expressed.

The findings will be incorporated into the finalisation of the natural capital assessment, the development of future planning scenarios and further expert analysis. The high level of interest and the desire for ongoing participation underline the importance of a transparent planning process.

In the summer of 2026, early consultation with public authorities was carried out as part of the feasibility study. A total of 52 authorities, institutions and specialist bodies were involved.

Various topics were identified during this process, which will be examined in greater depth as the planning process continues. These include, in particular, the drainage and wastewater situation, transport links, issues relating to nature conservation and species protection, and technical infrastructure. 

In addition, comments were provided on agricultural concerns, archaeological sites and other spatial conditions. This feedback forms an important basis for assessing the opportunities and challenges of land-use development at an early stage. 

The findings from the TöB are now being incorporated into the further development of the feasibility study and the drafting of the urban development framework plan, in order to thoroughly assess the development options and drive the planning process forward in a targeted manner.

The next public information session, offering opportunities for public participation, is planned for spring 2027. At that time, key findings from the studies carried out to date will be presented and discussed with members of the public.

The development of the Barkauer Land area therefore remains in the assessment and planning phase. The aim is to create a sound basis for further development that opens up economic prospects for the region whilst taking local conditions and requirements into account.