Application for BUGA 2043: Stuttgart and neighbors start study!

Application for BUGA 2043: Stuttgart and neighbors start study!

In an exciting development for the cities of Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg and Esslingen, a feasibility study for the 2043 Federal Garden Show (BUGA) along the Neckar is currently being launched. This was officially confirmed on July 3, 2025, when the Stuttgart municipal council released the financial resources for the project. The aim of this initiative is to examine the urban development and ecological potential of the project and thus take an important step towards the sustainable development of the region. [Ludwigsburg24 reports that…](https://www.ludwigsburg24.com/bundesgartenschau-2043-stuttgart-ludwigsburg-und-esslingen-starten-feasibility study/)

The total costs for the feasibility study amount to a maximum of 262,990 euros, with Stuttgart contributing its share of around 66,000 euros. Particular attention is paid to aspects of quality of life, biodiversity and local recreation, while citizens are actively involved in the process. The responsible cities and the Stuttgart Region Association (VRS) will decide, based on the analysis of spatial, financial and organizational challenges, whether an application should be submitted for BUGA 2043 or earlier. Stuttgart.de adds that…

Sustainable urban and regional development in focus

The partners in this initiative are not just aiming at a federal horticultural show. Rather, it is about promoting sustainable urban and regional development along the Neckar. The study will provide the expertise necessary to address key development goals such as water management, talent recruitment and location attractiveness. These topics are of immense interest when it comes to reinterpreting the urban-industrial space along the Neckar.

The time is ripe to address current challenges in the areas of climate adaptation and biodiversity. Particular attention is paid to the interconnection of the city, open space and water infrastructure. The principles of a multifunctional “blue-green infrastructure” are used to integrate natural and semi-natural areas into urban planning. Bundesgartenschau.de explains that…

A stage for citizen participation

An important feature of BUGA is the involvement of citizens in the planning and use processes. This strengthens the identification of the city population with their living environment and promotes social cohesion. The creation of meeting places is essential to enable the integration of all social groups.

The concept stipulates that all projects are accompanied by participation processes, which ensures that citizens' opinions are heard. After the garden show, the created areas are usually handed over to the city or a municipal authority in order to guarantee their maintenance and subsequent use. This not only guarantees the long-term added value of the green spaces, but also their positive economic effects on the regional economy, including construction, maintenance, services and tourism.