Councillor Michael Tacke welcomed the interested citizens and said in his opening remarks: "I can see from your lively participation today just how much interest the public has in Salzgittersee. The fundamental question is how we should proceed with our Salzgittersee. As a city, we want to start an open-ended and broad-based discussion on the future of the lake."

Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Walter Ackers from Ackers Partner Städtebau moderated the kick-off event and presented the collection of ideas entitled "Salzgitter Leisure & Tourism Concept - Further Development of Salzgittersee". As the "heart of Salzgitter", the 75-hectare lake is used for a variety of purposes. The collection of ideas as a basis for discussion for public participation divides the lake into five themed areas:

• Play & Sport,
• City & River,
• island park,
• Beach & Sun and
• Water & Wind.

These very different worlds of experience on Salzgittersee make it so diverse and unique. This potential must be exploited. The collection of ideas is to be reflected and expanded with the broad-based participation of citizens. The aim is to develop a long-term concept for the future of Salzgittersee.

Citizens will be involved in four areas over the next few months. An initial online survey will take place from December 6. An on-site survey will also take place at the monument in Lebenstedt town center and at the Pirate Playground. Furthermore, two workshops are planned in February and May 2019, each with 50 to 80 participants, at which individual topics relating to the development of the lake will be discussed. This will be supplemented by a walk around the lake, during which local residents will be able to discuss the current situation and ideas.

In the second part of the event, participants were able to ask questions about the participation process and the collection of ideas. Among other things, public access to the lake, the protection of nature by the lake and a possible urban quarter by the lake were addressed. In conclusion, city councillor Michael Tacke said: "Today we are at the beginning of an exciting participation process. I look forward to your participation. The results will be an important decision-making aid for the council."

All dates and invitations to the participation events will be available in future at www.salzgitter.de or from December 6 on the above-mentioned homepage.