Collaborate among yourselves
The Benrath multi-generational housing project, located on the grounds of the former Benrath Hospital, is set to bring a new lease of life to the area. The initiative, spearheaded by the "Gemeinsam Leben am Schloss Benrath e.V." association, aims to create a residential development that accommodates multiple generations within flexible, adaptable living spaces.
The project, still open for more young families, has received a building permit, allowing construction to commence following the demolition of the old hospital. The specifics of the cold rent rates for the publicly funded, price-reduced, and self-financed apartments have not been disclosed yet. However, it's expected that the 56 self-financed apartments will be offered at a cold rent of 13 euros per square meter, below the average for new apartments in Düsseldorf.
The project also seeks to address urban living challenges by providing affordable, sustainable housing that can evolve with inhabitants’ changing life circumstances. The design emphasizes flexibility, with options for merging or dividing rooms, and high-quality, sustainable construction practices.
In addition to private homes, the project also focuses on community living. A care group for eight elderly people, operated by Arbeiterwohlfahrt, will be housed in one of the buildings. This initiative aims to combat loneliness and anonymity among the elderly, promoting active community living.
The protected historic chapel in the center of the quarter will serve as a reminder of the former hospital, with a staircase built on the open side of the chapel to provide access for future users. The use and user of the chapel have not yet been finally decided.
The SWD, a partner of the builder, is investing around 31.7 million euros in this construction project. They signed a cooperation agreement with the Hospitalstraße housing project back in October 2017. The project will also ensure affordable housing in the new quarter for people with lower incomes, with 35 publicly funded or price-reduced apartments available.
As of August 2025, specific detailed information about the Benrath multi-generational housing project is limited. However, the concept aligns with modern approaches to urban multigenerational living, reflecting a broader trend toward multi-generational, adaptable urban housing solutions.
Marion Warden, Managing Director of AWO Düsseldorf, stated that new life is emerging around the remaining chapel on Schlossallee. As more updates become available, we can expect to gain clearer insights about timelines and implementations for this exciting project.
[1] Source: Modern Approaches to Urban Multigenerational Living [3] Source: Tolhuiskade Residential Building
- Beyond the real-estate development, the project also aims to foster a sustainable lifestyle, offering affordable housing options for people with lower incomes.
- The housing project, funded by the SWD, is expected to have 35 publicly funded or price-reduced apartments, making it an attractive investment for those seeking to support affordable urban living.
- As part of the initiative, the project will not only focus on home-and-garden or housing-market aspects but also address finance concerns, such as the cold rent rates, to cater to various generations and income levels.
