Bergisch Gladbach seeks €5.4M to revive the Strunde River by 2026

A forgotten industrial site could become a green oasis. Politicians race to secure funding before the Bundestag's 2026 decision—will the Strunde flow freely again?

, and Administrator

2026 May 17 . 2:06 AM

1 min read

The image shows a river running through a lush green field next to a building, surrounded by trees,... — The image shows a river running through a lush green field next to a building, surrounded by trees, plants, grass, stones, street poles, street lights, electric poles, electric cables, hills and a clear blue sky. The building is located at the site of a proposed water treatment plant.

Bergisch Gladbach seeks €5.4M to revive the Strunde River by 2026

Bergisch Gladbach is pushing ahead with plans to restore the Strunde River on the former Zanders industrial site. The city council has already backed a bid for federal funding, which could cover up to 80% of the project’s costs. Local politicians are now urging swift approval to bring the long-awaited renaturalisation to life. The city council recently voted to join the federal programme Adapting Urban and Rural Spaces to Climate Change. This move allows Bergisch Gladbach to apply for financial support to revive the Strunde River. If successful, the scheme could provide around €5.4 million—covering most of the expected expenses.

Local SPD spokesperson Andreas Ebert has expressed hope that the Bundestag’s budget committee will greenlight the funding. The final decision, however, lies with the full Bundestag, with project selections not expected until late 2026. Until then, the city plans to fund its share of the costs using existing municipal reserves. SPD faction leader Klaus W. Waldschmidt has called on Caroline Bosbach, the area’s MP, to champion the project in Berlin. Meanwhile, Theresia Meinhardt of the Green Party believes the restored river will transform the Zanders site. She argues it will give the area a fresh identity and boost its attractiveness for future development.

The city will now submit its formal funding request to the federal government. If approved, the project could reshape the Zanders site while easing the financial burden on local taxpayers. The Bundestag’s final ruling in 2026 will determine whether the plans move forward.