“Don’t think about the future of the Saline in a quiet little room—involve everyone!” That was the call to action at the official launch of the NEB_PROJECT “SALTSA – Between Tradition and Transformation: A Cooperative Concept for the Saline: Connecting City, Salt, and the Saale” on April 30, 2026, in Halle (Saale). And it was supported by those who have long been connected to the saltworks, as well as everyone who wants to actively contribute to the future of the saltworks site today. The response was certainly strong: Around 80 interested people made their way to the already renovated „Großsiedehalle Nord“ (large Boiling Hall North) to ensure they didn’t miss the start of the public participation process for the NEB_PROJECT and to be there when, according to the NEB_CRITERIA “BEAUTIFUL. SUSTAINABLE. TOGETHER.” their voices would also be heard in the search for perspectives for the as-yet-unused areas of the historic Saline complex in Halle (Saale). As part of NEB_ONTOUR, the NEB_NETWORK OFFICE supported the kick-off and, together with the project’s partners—science2public e. V. and the City of Halle (Saale)—had invited people to participate in the discussion.
Everyone agreed that the future development of Halle’s salt works depends on the commitment of the local community. The kick-off event provided an opportunity to get to know one another, to contribute ideas, as well as to participate in shaping the future. Mayor Dr. Alexander Vogt was also in the audience. In his opening remarks, he recalled how closely Halle’s historical development is linked to the saltworks and how, as a unique urban site, it bridges the gap between tradition and transformation, between the historic city centre and Halle-Neustadt and between what was and what could be.
The guests then listened with interest to the presentation of the NEB_PROJEKTs „SALTSA“ given by Olaf Nachtwey and Maike Fraas from science2public e. V., one of the two consortium partners of the NEB_PROJECT SALTSA. For them, the saline is “the heart of the city’s cultural life”; the European funding for the project is “both a blessing and a joy,” and the cooperative development of the area is a win in multiple ways: the historic saline remains preserved, a site of industrial heritage finds a sustainable use, and an important hub with a high quality of stay can emerge. A structure has been developed in which all stakeholders deeply rooted in the site will meet regularly. Included are partners essential to the saltworks: such as the Salt Workers’ Brotherhood, the SalineTechnikum, the Hanseatic Association, and—the interested general public! An ambitious timeline was also presented, featuring an interim presentation in April 2027 and a final presentation in July 2027. In between, there will be exciting participatory formats: for example, a monthly “roundtable” and three “mini-festivals,” to which everyone is invited. In addition, the idea of a podcast series was introduced.
The discussion began with insights from the "think tank" session held that same day with project participants, as well as a NEB_TALK. Reports were shared on experiences from Saxony-Anhalt's largest NEB_PROJECT, "Reallabor ZEKIWA Zeitz (RZZ)" (ZEKIWA Zeitz Real-World Laboratory), as well as from Halle's "Gemeinschaftsamt" (Community Office). Insights were shared — such as those regarding the structure of collaboration within large projects involving multiple stakeholders or potential organizational and operational frameworks. Katrin Kanus-Sieber, head of the NEB_NETWORKING OFFICE, emphasized the importance of the NEB_CRITERIA and NEB_WORKING PRINCIPLES, which are also central to the ongoing development of the Saline. The guests were then asked about precisely these aspects. Interactive stations encouraged reflection on BEAUTIFUL. SUSTAINABLE. TOGETHER. An entire wall featured "Questions for the Saline." Thus, the participatory process was launched, and a NEB_ONTOUR concluded on a sunny day in Halle in the best of spirits. Conclusion: A successful kickoff and new beginning. Networking, exploring the site, and exchanging initial ideas. NEB in its purest form: working TOGETHER on the development of a unique place in the heart of the city of Halle.
Impressions
pictures: TRANSMEDIAL
