Huge lost place: Former Conti factory in Hanover is rediscovered!

Huge lost place: Former Conti factory in Hanover is rediscovered!

Just in time for today, October 19, 2025, a fascinating piece of history is coming into the spotlight - the former Continental factory in Limmer, Hanover. This area is one of the largest lost places in Lower Saxony and arouses the curiosity of city explorers as well as the interest of historians and architects. What makes this place so unique?

The site, which once formed the heart of the German rubber industry, came to life in 1862 with the founding of the Hanover rubber comb factory. Production began here in 1899 and reached an impressive 6,000 employees in its heyday between 1890 and 1928. Where thousands of workers once manufactured vehicle tires and technical components, today only memories of bygone times remain. [Kreizeitung] reports that the plant underwent several transformations over the course of its history before it was incorporated into Continental AG in 1928.

A place full of history and change

The Contifabrik was not only a major employer in the Hanover region, but also a driver of economic development in Limmer. During the world wars, the factory was active in war production and also used forced labor. After intensive use during the First World War, the factory experienced an upswing and was able to continue producing rubber goods until 1999. But international competitive pressure ultimately led to the closure of the factory, meaning that production stopped after more than a hundred years.

After production ended, the site took a different turn. As pollution levels increased, many of the old buildings were demolished, and some historical buildings, such as the listed chimney and the administration building, were preserved. A major project is now being planned: the “Wasserstadt Limmer” will transform the 17 hectare area into a contemporary residential area. This construction project is considered the largest inner-city construction project in Hanover and will provide numerous new apartments in the future. [CoolA] emphasizes that this is a significant conversion of a formerly industrial area, which is now intended to create new living space for the growing city.

The future of the water town of Limmer

The redesign of the former Continente area symbolizes the change in Hanover and shows how the city is responding to changes in industry and housing needs. The rather deserted area will soon become a lively district in which not only apartments but also new impulses for urban development will be provided. The plans for the water town of Limmer are a symbol of adaptability and future-oriented thinking. [Point-Linden] points out that the redesign of this once important industrial area is not just a structural measure, but also claims a well-deserved place in Hanover's history.

At a time when the preservation of history and the creation of modern living space have to go hand in hand, the former Continental factory becomes an impressive example of successful urban development and the intelligent handling of historical heritage. A great place that shows once again how new things can sprout from old roots.