Demolition at Lindenau Harbor: Protest against partial demolition and groundbreaking!

Demolition at Lindenau Harbor: Protest against partial demolition and groundbreaking!

On June 3, 2025, one day after a controversial rally against the demolition work at Lindenau Harbor, there is considerable discussion about the Leipzig city administration's actions at this location. The motion, which was submitted by the SPD and Green factions to discuss the “possible implementation of the food port on the west side of Lindenau Harbor,” was originally scheduled to be dealt with on May 21st. However, it was taken off the agenda at short notice because the Leipzig-West district advisory board was not involved. This step raised early concerns and led to a postponement to June 2nd, when the environmental department immediately announced that demolition work would begin.

On the same day, a rally against the demolition work that had begun took place. The interest group (IG) Grocery Port Schönau had already demonstrated on site on June 1st and marked the ceremonial “groundbreaking” for the Grocery Port Schönau in the midst of these controversies. Despite the positive prospects associated with the planned FoodPort – an initiative focused on regional nutrition and sustainability – the demolition of the former laundry hall and large garages is putting the plans under pressure.

Criticism and demands from citizens

The demolition work has been criticized because the structure of the buildings from the 1980s, which were originally used as a district supply warehouse, is considered to be solid. According to the initiative group, many critics see the demolition as a waste of “grey energy” because preserving the buildings could meet the enormous need for unsealing measures in the city. The plan is to demolish it to make room for other construction projects, but there are also voices who claim that there are more pressing places that need unsealing.

According to the IG GroceryPort Schönau, over 1,000 people are now supporting an online petition that opposes the demolition and advocates for the preservation of the existing buildings. These efforts are being strengthened by numerous actors from the food industry and civil society. A proposal for subsequent use envisages using the area for a food port, which is intended to strengthen the regional food industry and create a more resilient food system. As an “organic city”, Leipzig has already taken steps to develop a comprehensive nutrition strategy.

Future events and promotions

On June 6th, the IG invites you to a workshop format in the canteen of the Plagwitz market hall to discuss the project and possible alternatives. The fifth walk around the area is also scheduled for June 13th, with the meeting point being the Hafentorbrücke. Regardless of the partial demolition that has begun, the IG continues to demand the preservation and reuse of the existing buildings - a project that is seen as essential for climate protection and ecological urban design.

The challenge remains to get the city administration and the city council to revise the Lindenau Harbor master plan approved in 2010 and to promptly examine the existing reuse strategies in order to prevent further deterioration of the buildings. Time is of the essence because the pressure on urban areas in Leipzig is immense.

Further information about the current situation at Lindenau Harbor can be found at L-IZ. For details on the petition visit OpenPetition.