Construction boom in the Lok district: cooperative apartments for everyone!

Construction boom in the Lok district: cooperative apartments for everyone!

In the heart of the Lok district in Osnabrück, an exciting residential building project is being built that should inspire many people. A cooperative is founded under the name WEICHE that is dedicated to social, sustainable and self-determined living. This innovative project promises a real improvement in the living situation in the region and is supported by several well-known partners, including the GLS Community Bank, KVL Projektentwicklung Plus GmbH and the Thiel architectural firm. According to machen.osnabrueck.de, the first information event will take place on August 21st at 5 p.m. in the INNOVATORIUM of the Coppenrath Innovation Center.

The project plans to create around 70 to 80 residential units in different sizes and floor plans. These apartments should be ready for occupancy by mid-2028 and are aimed at people who are looking for permanently affordable housing. “We want to form a community that not only provides living space, but also social contacts and mutual support,” emphasizes Benedikt Altrogge from GLS Bank. In addition to current information, the event also offers those interested the opportunity to participate in the planning in working groups.

Sustainability and community in focus

What makes the project special is the focus on sustainable construction. The new building is planned to be constructed using timber systems and the use of durable materials. This should not only reduce the ecological footprint, but also offer a high quality of life. Luana Cortis from the KVL Group emphasizes how important it is that residents are not only tenants, but also participants in their living situation. This philosophy is reflected in the legal form of the registered cooperative, which is based on self-help and self-determination, as explained in detail on the website of the Federal Ministry of Housing.

“The residential communities not only offer living space, they also actively contribute to the creation of stable neighborhoods,” explains Gerd Hoofe, managing director of the project sponsor. This is of great importance because it is not just about housing, but also about life in the area. There has already been some progress so far, such as securing the property and a corresponding resolution for the development plan. The involvement of the population is a central concern of the initiators.

Funding and support

The financial basis is strengthened through low-interest loans from various funding programs. The federal government is offering a total of 21.65 billion euros for social housing from 2022 to 2028. The initiative fits perfectly with Osnabrück's social master plan, which was developed in collaboration with the city and Lok-Viertel GmbH. Mayor Katharina Pötter also sees a market for such housing cooperatives and emphasizes how important strong partners are for management and financing.

Anyone who is interested in this pioneering project can speak individually with the cooperative team before the information event mentioned, which will be available from 4 p.m. Registration is required for both face-to-face and online participation at www.weiche-eg.de.