City Councillor Zapf-Rodriguez and City Councillor Gwechenberger want to promote sustainable urban development
The city of Frankfurt am Main is considering applying to host the Federal Horticultural Show in 2040. This was announced by the Councillor for Climate, Environment and Women's Issues, Tina Zapf-Rodriguez (Green Party) and the Councillor for Planning and Housing, Marcus Gwechenberger (SPD), on Tuesday. The aim is to use the garden show as a catalyst for sustainable and innovative urban development.
The city had already held initial talks with the German Federal Horticultural Show Association (DBG) in August. The aim was to explore whether new, metropolitan concepts were conceivable that would respond more strongly to ecological and climate policy challenges. "We want to examine whether a BUGA in Frankfurt can address issues such as façade greening, unsealing, traffic calming and roof gardens," said Zapf-Rodriguez. "The focus is on the permanent protection and expansion of green spaces – as a response to the consequences of climate change."
Impetus for urban redevelopment and climate adaptation
Head of Planning Gwechenberger sees BUGA 2040 as an opportunity to link key future urban development projects. "A Federal Horticultural Show could bring together the new district, the enclosure of the A661 motorway and the greening of the city centre in one overall project," he explained. "We can use the BUGA as a catalyst for urban regeneration, climate adaptation and quality of life – as an urban, open and sustainable exhibition that connects Frankfurt's districts in a lasting way."
The two department heads emphasised that it is not just about flowers and temporary exhibitions, but about the long-term development of urban spaces. The BUGA should help to connect the Green Belt more closely with the Rhine-Main Regional Park and create new open spaces. Openness is important here: "Fences and barriers to entry do not fit in with the image of a modern city," said Zapf-Rodriguez.
Model project for a sustainable BUGA
According to the city, the DBG is open to such a reorientation. It has signalled its willingness to examine whether Frankfurt's ideas could be implemented in an initial, sustainable model project. A decision could be in line with the timetables for the new district and the A661 enclosure.
The city plans to officially enter into in-depth discussions with the DBG in .
Frankfurt as a model for resilient urban development
Zapf-Rodriguez and Gwechenberger concluded by emphasising that Frankfurt could continue its tradition of innovative urban planning with a BUGA 2040. "Today, it's not just about design, but about resilience, sustainability and future viability," they both explained. "Greener buildings and climate-conscious urban development are key tasks in times of climate crisis. As major emitters, cities like Frankfurt have a special responsibility – and at the same time the potential to be role models."
