The former factory site in the centre of Merseburg is reinventing itself and becoming a pioneering quartier for Merseburg residents and those who want to become one: the Wiegand Quartier, or WQ for short.
A prominent part of Merseburg's industrial history is developing into an urban neighbourhood-of-the-future in a charming waterside setting. The former factory site next to the Rieschmühle mill looks back on over 120 years of industrial history in Merseburg. Where the first patents for evaporation technology revolutionised the leather industry 100 years ago, tinkering, inventing and testing are to take place again. Today, the Wiegand Industrial Park is home to a number of small and medium-sized companies. The WQ is poised to become a focal point for social and sustainable start-ups in Saxony-Anhalt.
In the Pioneer Summer 2024, everyone from Merseburg and the surrounding area is invited to test campaigns and events, workshops and business models. Four former workshops, one large industrial hall and plenty of outdoor space have already been made available to those looking for spaces to grow their ideas.
The WIEGAND QUARTIER was initiated by the CO.WQ e.V. association, whose members include dedicated individuals from the Merseburg region and descendants of the founder of Wilhelm Wiegand Maschinenfabrik KG. They are united by their conviction in sustainable principles and their commitment to democratic and inclusive processes. Their goal is to develop an economically viable concept that positively impacts the town and benefits the citizens of Merseburg and the surrounding area.
The project is built on two core pillars: sustainability and interaction. By revitalizing the 100-year-old production halls and workshops, a vibrant space for work, living, and recreation is being created at the intersection of natural and industrial areas. This innovative development includes co-working spaces, shared workshops, and meet-up areas for conferences and smaller events.
Sustainability is also a top priority in construction. Going forward, the existing buildings and potential new buildings are to be constructed, renovated and expanded on using minimal resources, and limiting CO2 emissions using ecological and recycled building materials in following the principles of circular construction. The development of the WIEGAND QUARTER is a prototype for the building of tomorrow.
The WQ thus makes a decisive contribution to sustainable and socially-just development for people in Merseburg and the surrounding area.