Photo: Regional Association Ruhr
Construction on the Baldeneysee is planned to begin in 2026.
Essen, Baldeneysee, September 2, 2025. Today, the Committee for the Environment, Climate and Consumer Protection of the City of Essen passed a far-reaching planning resolution: The popular tourist destination Haus Scheppen The Baldeneysee, one of the most famous motorcycle meeting points in Germany, will be comprehensively upgraded – in time for the International Garden Exhibition 2027 (IGA 2027) and beyond.
Three key measures leading up to the IGA 2027
The initial focus is on three specific projects that are to be completed by 2027:
– Redesign of the forecourt with a footbridge: The central forecourt between Haus Scheppen, the Baldeneysee and the campsite The area will be redesigned as an arrival and waiting area. A new boardwalk with seating under the trees will create a pleasant atmosphere right by the water. Removing the paving from the root zone and adding new plantings will improve the microclimate. Twelve parking spaces will be eliminated and replaced with spaces in P1 and P2.
– Renovation of the riverside path: The historic path under Plane trees The path along the lake – one of the most popular social media hotspots on the Baldeneysee – will be preserved, but will be redesigned to be more accessible and tree-friendly. The aim is to combine historic preservation with modern usability.
– Barrier-free upgrade of parking lot P1: A new ramp and stairs overcome the seven-meter height difference between the parking lot and the forecourt. Digital parking space displays and a viewing platform improve orientation and accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility.
Medium- and long-term perspectives beyond 2027
Even after the IGA 2027, the area around Haus Scheppen is to be further developed as follows:
– Traffic calming measures on the Hardenberg riverbank: A new traffic management system, smart parking guidance and barrier-free parking spaces are intended to improve safety and order.
– Boat gallery and arrival area: New viewpoints and improved access to the Hespertalbahn They are intended to strengthen the tourist infrastructure.
– Family-friendly amenities: Plans include an adventure playground, new open spaces by the water, and a direct connection to the terminus of the Hespertalbahn tram line. Parking lot P2 will also be modernized.
Implementation will take place gradually within the framework of the program „Baldeneysee 360°“, depending on further decisions and funding.
Why the upgrade is necessary
The area around Haus Scheppen is heavily frequented – especially by motorcyclists, cyclists, and day-trippers. The current traffic flow is unclear, pathways are not separated, and illegal parking leads to conflicts of use. The city administration aims for a clear functional and design-oriented layout that will improve safety and the quality of the area.
Participation as the basis of planning
An intensive participatory process beginning in early 2024 provided important impetus. The following measures were implemented: four workshops with local residents, an online survey with approximately 1,600 participants, and two public events on site. From these formats, ten concrete requirements and three measures were derived: preservation of the motorcycle meeting point and the food stalls with improved parking organization, more recreational areas for families, and optimization of the toilet facilities.
Financing and Outlook
The three approved measures are expected to cost around two million euros. The City of Essen is providing 340,000 euros for the planning. Two sub-projects will be contracted out, while the path improvements will be handled by the city's own Grün und Gruga GmbH (Green and Gruga Ltd.). Although 80 percent funding was originally planned, the applications submitted so far have been rejected. The city's share will be covered by the "Public Green Spaces" budget. Further funding opportunities are being explored. The final construction decision is expected to follow the completion of the preliminary design at the end of 2025. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 – an important step towards sustainable and inclusive urban development at Baldeneysee, and with the construction of the grandstand, this will be the second major construction project on the lakefront of Baldeneysee.
