Ruins in Zwickauer Straße in Chemnitz-Siegmar

Zwickauer Strasse in the Siegmar district of Chemnitz is characterised by numerous vacant and decaying buildings. This is due to a combination of historical, economic and urban development factors.

The Siegmar district was once an important industrial centre. After reunification, however, there was a massive structural change that forced many businesses to close. Many of the vacant buildings are privately owned. Some owners do not care about maintaining their properties, which leads to further decay. In some cases, the city has threatened to impose fines in order to persuade owners to carry out maintenance, such as in the case of the Wanderer-Werke.

Zwickauer Strasse is characterised by numerous buildings in need of renovation, derelict areas and design deficits in the public space. This contributes to an unattractive cityscape and makes investment difficult. To counteract the decay, the city of Chemnitz designated a 68-hectare area along Zwickauer Straße as a redevelopment area in July 2022. The aim is to develop the area as an attractive place to live, work and do business.

The former Schützenruh inn in Chemnitz-Siegmar on Zwickerauer Straße

The Gasthaus Schützenruh is located in Chemnitz-Siegmar at Zwickauer Straße 420. The building has an eventful history: originally built as a glove factory, it was later converted into a restaurant. However, it has been empty for several years and is increasingly falling into disrepair. Local residents and initiatives are campaigning for the building to be preserved and renovated. They are calling for the city to intervene to stop further decay and save the historic building.