Schwentinemündung Knowledge Quarter: Future development plans published

The resolution passed by the Kiel City Council on 11 June 2026 setting out the development guidelines for the Schwentinemündung Knowledge Quarter strengthens the links between business and academia in the district and lays the foundations for sustainable growth in Kiel as a business hub.

The availability of high-quality commercial and industrial land is a key factor in a city’s economic development. At the same time, there is a growing need for the sustainable use of land and for integrated urban development.

Against this backdrop, the development guidelines for the Schwentinemündung Knowledge Quarter were drawn up as part of the Commercial and Industrial Land Strategy (GIFS) and have now been published. They define a shared vision for the future of one of the most innovative locations in the state capital, Kiel, and highlight how existing potential can be developed in a targeted manner.

The profiling process was initiated and led by Kiel Economic Development Agency (KiWi) and supported by the Office for Urban Planning and Strategic Project Development, stadtland IMPULS.

Key partners involved were the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR), the Kiel University of Applied Sciences (HAW Kiel) and the Centre for Maritime Technology and Seefischmarkt (ZTS Property Management) as the property manager of the commercial sites.

The development strategies were formulated on the basis of several one-to-one discussions and project meetings, as well as – as the centrepiece of the profiling process – a joint IMPULS workshop with the project partners, numerous local stakeholders and other representatives from business, science, politics and the public sector.

The development guidelines are based on four key areas of action, which form the framework for future neighbourhood development.

Strengthening cooperation
The aim is to intensify collaboration between businesses, academic institutions, public authorities and local communities. The objective is to better link existing expertise and facilitate new partnerships.

Shaping knowledge together
The Knowledge Quarter is to be further developed as a space for innovation and experimentation. The close proximity of the various facilities creates the ideal conditions for jointly advancing research, knowledge transfer and new technologies.

Developing flexible structures
Given limited space and growing demands, the focus is on flexible uses and efficient land development. The aim is to make better use of existing potential and to further develop existing structures.

Living and working in an interconnected community
In the long term, the aim is to forge closer links between work, housing and social infrastructure. The aim is to create a vibrant neighbourhood that goes beyond being merely a place of work or a university campus.

In terms of content, the Schwentinemündung Knowledge Quarter is set to establish itself even more strongly in future as a hub for maritime technologies and innovation. The focus will be on areas such as underwater technologies, robotics, medical technology and blue biomass.

At the same time, the aim is to support spin-offs from science and research, retain skilled workers in the long term and raise the profile of research and development within the district. Additional facilities in the areas of catering, culture and sport are also intended to further enhance the quality of life in the area.

The spatial development plan deliberately focuses on unlocking existing potential. Existing spaces are to be used more efficiently and developed in a considered manner.

Plans include the reactivation of previously unused areas, new complementary infrastructure and improved connections between the north and south banks. The upgrading of pathways and the creation of clear neighbourhood entrances are also intended to improve wayfinding and the quality of life within the neighbourhood.

Cooperative networks, joint location marketing and the expansion of existing exchange and event formats will play a central role in the project’s ongoing implementation. 

With the development guidelines now published, a coordinated framework for the future development of the Schwentinemündung Knowledge Quarter is in place for the first time. This has created important conditions for sustainably strengthening Kiel as a centre for business and innovation and for realising the district’s unique potential in the long term.