The electoral term is coming to an end: the next local elections will take place on 13 September 2026. Five years of local politics – years marked by challenges and crises. At the same time, as the SPD we have succeeded in initiating, advancing, or implementing important projects in our district of Herrenhausen-Stöcken.

Here is our record:

Sport and Community

A particularly significant success is the decision to rebuild the Stöcken swimming pool. Together with a dedicated local citizens' initiative, after a long time and a lot of persistence, we managed to get the issue onto the council's budget agenda. With a majority in the council, the breakthrough was finally achieved and the way was cleared for planning the new building. Planning costs in the millions are earmarked for the next two budget years. For us, it is especially important that the new pool be built in the district at its previous location.

Because the Stöcken pool is far more than a place for leisure. It stands for education, sport, and community. That is why we continue to campaign for it with determination.

Housing and Urban Development: Modern Neighborhoods for All People and Generations

We have also taken important steps in housing and urban development. In the Burg district, following a decision by the district council, construction on Innersteweg has been completed. On a site previously used mainly for commercial purposes, a residential neighborhood with 136 new housing units was built in spring 2024. In addition, construction began at the start of this year on Fuhsestraße-Ost. On the former Deutsche Bahn site, a modern, mixed-use residential neighborhood called "Weichenviertel" is being developed with around 850 units. Completion is planned for 2028. With Weichenviertel, an innovative, sustainable, and cross-generational residential neighborhood is being created here – from a daycare center to a senior residence.

Herrenhäuser Markt: A New Center Is Emerging

With the "Herrenhäuser Markt" development plan, we are also laying the foundation for the "Herrenhäuser Forum 3.0." At the corner of Herrenhäuser Straße/Kiepertstraße, a mixed neighborhood with residential and commercial use is also planned. 40 residential units and two commercial units are planned. During the new construction, the two listed timber-frame houses will be carefully dismantled and restored. We have also advanced the renovation of the long-dilapidated street Am Fuhrenkampe in the Ledeburg district, which has been underway since 2025.

Support for sports clubs and Culture: Stronger Together

Supporting clubs and associations in all districts of our borough was also an important concern for us. Numerous grants were made available. After the Christmas flood of 2023/2024, the sports clubs on the Graft also received flood relief of up to 150,000€. In addition, the region secured funding – and thus the continued existence – of the School Biology Center in the Burg district.

A special project for young people in the district was implemented at the suggestion of our Juso-AG NordWest (Young Socialists working group): on 17 April 2026, a graffiti wall was set up at Leinhausen station. It gave young people the opportunity to get creatively and actively involved in shaping public space. Financed by the district, this project sends a clear signal for youth culture and shows that street art can be a valuable part of the urban art scene.

Mobility and Transport: Safe and Sustainable Routes

We have also achieved concrete improvements in mobility. The first bicycle repair station was installed at the "Herrenhäuser Gärten" light-rail stop in October 2024. Our initiative in the district council aims to make cycling in the district more attractive. The station, whose colors blend harmoniously with the surroundings of the Herrenhäuser Gärten, offers cyclists practical everyday support. A second station has already been applied for. In addition, the bike path between Herrenhausen station and Eilersweg is being expanded. For safe connectivity, we are also advocating for the expansion of Nordstadt station into a central hub, as well as for cycle routes into the region, such as the planned cycle superhighway between Garbsen and Hanover, whose construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.

More Safety on the Streets

To improve safety on the streets, especially regarding safe routes to school, we have had road narrowings put in place on Gretelriede (near Entenfang), on Herrenhäuser Kirchweg, and at Stöckener Bach.

Social City and Sustainability: Investing in the Future

With the end of the redevelopment in Stöcken under the "Soziale Stadt" (Social City) program, funding ceased. To secure and further develop the projects achieved nonetheless, we campaigned for the establishment of a continuation fund of €50,000 per year. Important measures in the district could continue to be supported from this general fund. These include, among others, the redesign of the Stöcken market square, the development of the Gemeindeholz sports facility, the installation of a calisthenics facility, the redevelopment of Weizenfeldstraße, an additional entrance to the Stöcken municipal cemetery, and the holding of neighborhood festivals.

Our Goal: A City for Everyone

As the SPD, we keep a particular eye on the social dimension. Our goal was, and is, to create good living conditions in all districts of the Herrenhausen-Stöcken borough, to enable participation, and to sustainably strengthen community life.

At the same time: we are far from finished. There is much still to do. As the SPD, we will continue to work for a city for everyone.