In Leipzig, a significant development project is underway at the airport that could potentially create 3000 new jobs. The city of Leipzig, the airport, and the state of Saxony are collaborating to transform a 100-hectare area into a hub for renowned companies. This initiative aims to replicate the success achieved in attracting companies like BMW, Porsche, and Beiersdorf in the northern part of the city, fostering economic growth and job opportunities on a large scale.
Clemens Schülke, Leipzigs mayor responsible for economy, labor, and digital affairs, expressed enthusiasm for this project, emphasizing the potential for significant investment and employment similar to major players such as BMW and Porsche. The proposed industrial area at Radefelder Allee is expected to become one of the largest business locations in Saxony, offering a prime opportunity for companies seeking expansion.
The focus is on attracting businesses from forward-looking sectors such as automotive, semiconductor electronics, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, among others. Schülke highlighted the importance of enterprises with high value-added activities, including research and development, that can contribute to the innovation hubs in the region, such as the Bio-City-Campus and the Airport Campus.
The airport owns the land earmarked for this development, with the city of Leipzig overseeing the urban development plan. While the plan is progressing well, detailed infrastructure and accessibility arrangements are still in the works. The timing presents an ideal window to incorporate investor preferences before finalizing the plan for prospective businesses looking to establish themselves there.
Marketing efforts for the land are already in motion, with the airport engaging in promotional activities at international events like the Expo Real exhibition in Munich. The advantages offered by the site include exceptional transportation links with highways, rail connections, and proximity to the airport, which is a major cargo hub in Europe. The collective efforts of the airport, the state, and the city aim to leverage these strengths to attract investors and foster economic growth in the region.
Despite its ambitious nature, the project poses challenges, such as the need to address workforce needs once the businesses are operational. Additionally, infrastructure improvements like the expansion of Radefelder Allee are essential to support the increased economic activity in the area. Collaborative efforts between the city, airport, and the state of Saxony are underway to facilitate these developments, with an estimated investment of 18 million euros allocated for the initial phase of the project.