The social services provider GVS Blankenburg e. V. is developing the "Altes E-Werk" in Blankenburg (Harz) – the first project in the NEB_NETWORK Saxony-Anhalt not funded by the European Just Transition Fund (JTF). Unusual? Yes! Because until now, all NEB_PROJECTS in the area have been financed by JTF funds. The 'Altes E-Werk' project breaks this pattern. It is funded by the European Social Fund Plus in Saxony-Anhalt. Instead, the key factor for joining the network is that the project exemplifies the NEB_VALUES of beautiful, sustainable and together.
Der Verein entwickelt gemeinsam mit der Stadt Blankenburg (Harz) ein Nutzungskonzept für das 1891 errichtete Industriedenkmal in der Neuen Halberstädter Straße 1/3/5. Das Gebäude steht derzeit weitgehend ungenutzt, soll künftig aber als generationenübergreifender „Dritter Ort” wieder mit Leben gefüllt werden – ein Begegnungsraum außerhalb von Arbeit und Zuhause. Von Juni 2025 bis Juni 2027 wird in Workshops, Dialogformaten und Bürgerbeteiligungen ermittelt, welche Angebote die Stadtgesellschaft tatsächlich braucht. Bürgerinnen und Bürger, lokale Kulturschaffende, die Wirtschaft sowie Hochschulen aus der Region bringen dabei ihr Wissen gemeinsam ein.
Rather than demolition and new construction, the project focuses on preserving the historic building substance, thereby securing the ‘grey energy’ already embodied in the structure. Energy-efficient refurbishment and comprehensive accessibility improvements combine the rugged charm of industrial architecture with modern requirements for climate protection and inclusion. A multifunctional, flexible use of space further reduces space consumption. Future operations are to be supported by a hybrid model: Commercial services will generate the funds for the non-profit areas through cross-subsidisation, thereby ensuring affordable access for the whole of the city’s community.
This example demonstrates that membership of the NEB_NETWORK Saxony-Anhalt does not depend on a specific source of funding, but rather on consistent alignment with the NEB_VALUES. Guidance on this is provided by the NEB_COMPASS. Other projects and initiatives in Saxony-Anhalt that fundamentally uphold these values can also contact the NX_NETWORKING OFFICE Saxony-Anhalt, regardless of their funding background, and benefit from the network.
Click here for the project summary
picture: GVS Blankenburg
