IÖW and city of Fürstenwalde (Spree) hold first stakeholder workshop on developing the station area

The City of Fürstenwalde (Spree) and the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) discussed the redevelopment of the area surrounding the Fürstenwalde train station in a stakeholder workshop. The event on 2 July 2026 was part of the city's “Mobilitätsdrehscheibe” (mobility hub) concept, which aims to transform the station surroundings into an attractive, multimodal mobility node in the long term.

Science Meets Practice: Policy Mix 4 Mobility and the City of Fürstenwalde jointly convened stakeholders to shape the future of urban mobility around the train station. (Picture: IÖW)

The aim of the workshop was to bring participants one step closer to implementing some of the proposed measures by connecting the relevant stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding of the challenges, and jointly developing ideas for the way forward. Most of these aims could be achieved. The workshop concluded with an outlook on the next steps in the process.

Currently difficult to navigate around the train station

The station area currently suffers from several transport-planning shortcomings: bicycle parking is overcrowded, space for bus stops is limited, and the connections between rail, bus, cycling, and pedestrian traffic are difficult to navigate. The workshop was designed to translate these challenges into concrete planning steps, to discuss upcoming implementation measures, and to bring in the perspectives of key stakeholders. A second workshop, involving citizens directly, is planned to follow.

Improve multimodal connectivity, urban development and cycling mobility

The workshop served as the operational kickoff, bringing together representatives from, among others Deutsche Bahn's Kompetenzstelle Bahnhofsvorplatz (Station Forecourt Competence Center), the Landkreis Oder-Spree (district administration), the BOS Bus Services Oder-Spree (transport operator), and city council members. 
After an introduction by the city of Fürstenwalde (Spree) and a presentation of the usage analysis by Deutsche Bahn's “Kompetenzstelle Bahnhofsvorplatz & Anschlussmobilität” (Station Forecourt & Onward Mobility Competence Center), participants worked in small groups, first taking stock of the current situation and then developing ideas in parallel thematic groups. Discussions centered on these main topics:

• Potential changes in land use in the southern station area: The group identified underused spaces, unclear ownership, and inefficient parking as key challenges. Opportunities include activating available land, improving transport organisation, creating greener public spaces, and enhancing waiting and stay areas.
• Future ideas for the property at Eisenbahnstraße 118: Participants discussed possible uses such as leisure, culture, gastronomy, and housing. Key priorities included climate-sensitive development, temporary uses, and involving citizens in shaping the future of the site.
• Use of the bicycle parking facility: This group discussed features to improve the attractiveness and usability of the bicycle parking facility, including green design, e-bike charging, digital solutions, services, and clear operational structures.
• Renovation and future use of the station building: Stakeholders highlighted the station building’s role as a link between the station and the city. Suggested uses included information services, catering, toilets, waiting areas, and accessible, welcoming spaces.

The collaboration between the city of Fürstenwalde (Spree) and IÖW is part of the PolicyMix4Mobility project which is supported by the European DUT Partnership (Driving Urban Transitions) and the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, as part of an effort to promote sustainable mobility and reduce car dependency.