Dusseldorf Council's Final Gathering Prior to Local Voting
In the vibrant city of Düsseldorf, several significant developments are underway, shaping its urban landscape and cultural appeal.
The city council has paved the way for the reconstruction of the Theodor-Heuss Bridge, which is in dire need of replacement due to its poor condition. However, as of mid-2025, no specific updates or ongoing projects related to bridge works in Düsseldorf have been reported, suggesting either no major bridge reconstruction is underway or it has not been prominently reported publicly.
A green connection, approximately 1.4 kilometers long, is being constructed from Heideweg to Aaper Wald. This project, estimated to cost around 5.5 million euros, with 76% funded by the European Fund for Regional Development, will connect public green spaces, sports facilities, and allotment gardens to the Aaper Wald recreational area, increasing the green space in the districts of Rath and Mörsenbroich.
In the field of culture, the city council has decided to construct a new indoor pool in Unterrath at Ulmenstraße for 31.2 million euros, replacing the old indoor pool at Mettlacher Straße. The new pool is expected to open two years after the planned start of construction in the third quarter of 2026.
The cultural administration's concept, "Framework Agreements for the Free Scene," aims to provide actors with more planning security, guaranteeing funding for institutions from the free scene that have been funded for more than four years for a further three years from January 1, 2026. The concept goal will be reviewed in the second half of 2027.
In terms of education, starting with the 2026/2027 school year, there will be a legal claim to a full-day place in elementary school, day care, and daycare facilities in Düsseldorf.
The city administration will begin planning preparations for the Theodor-Heuss Bridge reconstruction, with the Finance Department leading the project. The city will provide financial resources for the reconstruction, including costs for IPM and external consultants and engineering services, totaling 22.2 million euros.
Regarding city rebranding, no explicit rebranding initiative has been reported. However, ongoing cultural and architectural projects, like the new opera house competition and landmark developments such as Kö-Bogen II and the Calatrava Boulevard, imply a focus on modernizing the city’s urban landscape and cultural appeal, which may contribute indirectly to the city's image and brand without an official rebranding campaign.
In addition, new burial options for Muslim and Jewish deceased are being created in the Itter cemetery. The total costs for ensuring these burial offerings is estimated at 2.91 million euros, with plans to be completed by 2027, possibly in 2023.
The joint sponsorship of the cities of Düsseldorf and Duisburg for the Deutsche Oper am Rhein will continue beyond July 31, 2027. The number of performances in Duisburg and Düsseldorf per season will remain unchanged, with 78 performances in Duisburg and 180 in Düsseldorf, reflecting the proportional cost distribution between the shareholders.
Lastly, Jürgensplatz in Düsseldorf will be renamed "Edith-Fürst-Straße," and the square in front of the police headquarters and the Ministry for Home Affairs, Local Government, Construction and Digitalization will be renamed "Am Polizeipräsidium."
These developments highlight the city's commitment to growth, sustainability, and cultural enrichment, making Düsseldorf an exciting place to watch as these projects unfold.
- The city administration is planning to reconstruct the Theodor-Heuss Bridge, a move that could be seen as a political decision, as the bridge is in need of replacement.
- In the realm of education, Düsseldorf is planning to offer a full-day place in elementary school, day care, and daycare facilities from the 2026/2027 school year, revealing a commitment to an improved educational system.
