The University of Mannheim needs significantly more space for research and teaching to be able to compete with the best universities worldwide. It has already reached its capacity limits. In 2026 at the latest, when the scheduled renovation work in the Ostflügel of the Schloss begin, about 20 lecture halls and seminar rooms will no longer be available. The staff of entire chairs and departments will also need to find a new home.
By constructing new buildings along Bismarckstraße in the Friedrichspark area, the university wants to create more space for teaching and learning and to connect the campus in the Schloss and Campus West in A5 and B6. At the same time, the construction project is a great chance to make Friedrichspark attractive to Mannheim residents, students and employees of the university. By demolishing the old ice stadium, the coherent park will be significantly larger and the landscape of Friedrichspark can be newly designed.
“The development plan includes an ecologic revaluation of the park, for example by greening the facades, by creating space between the buildings and a reduction of soil sealing”, said Dr. Peter Kurz, mayor of Mannheim during the meeting of the city council.
“We are happy to have gotten some certainty regarding our plans for the necessary buildings at Friedrichspark, because the schedule until 2026 is tight and we need to step it up”, said Prof. Dr. Thomas Puhl, President of the University of Mannheim. “We are particularly happy to have received such a broad approval from all parties and groups, who have recognized the necessity for the university and valued our willingness to compromise during the planning process. As the project continues, we will root for an attractive design of the park, in order for the citizens of Mannheim, as well as for our students and employees to be able to enjoy it again.”
On this website (in German), you will find more information on the new construction projects.