Transformed barren landscape into inviting waterfront: Willingmann allocates €2.7 million to facilitate Bad Kösen's climate change adaptation

In the heart of the Saxony-Anhalt region, the city of Bad Kösen is set to undergo a significant transformation with the redesign of the Gerstenbergkpromenade. This project, which is of great importance for the spa town, has been chosen to receive funding from the "Saxony-Anhalt Klima III" program.

The Gerstenbergkpromenade, slated to become a sports and recreation area, will see numerous climate-friendly features as part of this renovation. At least half of the approximately 7,500 square meter area will be de-sealed, with green islands with deep beds being created between the lanes to promote biodiversity and water retention.

Fifty climate-adapted trees will be planted, and cisterns will be built to use rainwater for irrigation of plants and green spaces. The city of Naumburg, where Bad Kösen is located, is investing around 3 million euros in this future-oriented project, including a 10% own contribution.

The "Saxony-Anhalt Klima III" program, funded by the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRE), provides a total of 35 million euros for investments in flood management and climate resilience. The program supports various climate adaptation measures, including the creation of heat action plans, de-sealing and greening of public spaces, new plantings with climate-adapted shrub and tree species, investments in mobile flood protection, and water retention basins and reservoirs.

Minister Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann emphasised that the redesign of the Gerstenbergkpromenade sets standards for climate-adapted urban development. The city of Naumburg's application for the Bad Kösen Gerstenbergkpromenade was the largest in the funding category "Climate Resilience", with a volume of around 2.7 million euros.

The demand for the "Saxony-Anhalt Klima III" program is high, as evidenced by the multiple oversubscriptions of the funding calls. The program does not only fund the Gerstenbergkpromenade redesign but also numerous other climate resilience projects across the state.

It's worth noting that the "Saxony-Anhalt Klima III" program does not cover the city of Naumburg's own contribution to the Gerstenbergkpromenade renovation. The state of Saxony-Anhalt is responsible for finding solutions to support necessary investments in adapting to climate change.

Naumburg's Mayor Armin Müller further highlighted the importance of this project, stating that it contributes to climate protection and improves urban development and quality of life in the Bad Kösen old town. The other German city that received financial support for climate compatibility measures under the "Saxony-Anhalt KLIMA III" program from July 2024 to June 2025 is not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results.

The funding program offers two rounds, with applications due in July to October 2024 and May to June 2025. The city of Naumburg is also investing in new seating options and play elements for the sports and recreation area, making the Gerstenbergkpromenade project a comprehensive effort towards climate resilience and urban development.

Transformed barren landscape into inviting waterfront: Willingmann allocates €2.7 million to facilitate Bad Kösen's climate change adaptation