CSZ receives contract for structural engineering of former church in Manheim-Alt

We are proud to be contributing to structural change in the Rhineland mining region. Existing buildings and heritage projects in particular demonstrate what sustainable construction means to us in concrete terms: preserving rather than replacing, intelligently developing existing structures—and thus conserving resources, energy, and history in equal measure. In Manheim-Alt, sustainability is even directly visible: the phase-out of coal is creating space for a listed building to be given a new future as a place that fosters identity, rather than disappearing.

St. Albanus in Manheim-Alt: Review and outlook
Between 1898 and 1900, the Roman Catholic parish church of St. Albanus and Leonhardus was built in the Manheim-Alt district of Kerpen—at that time, no one could have imagined that one day it would stand on the shore of Germany’s second-largest lake.

Historical heritage meets structural change
Following its deconsecration in 2019, the listed church is set to become the centerpiece of a cultural and event park. It combines history, architecture, and new uses to create a vibrant meeting place.

A versatile cultural venue is created
A venue for exhibitions, events, and leisure activities is being created around the church, complemented by pioneering buildings on the future Hambach Loop. The adjacent open-cast mine will be closed by around 2030 and then flooded with water from the Rhine; it is expected to be completely filled by 2070.

A model project for engineering performance and structural change
Planning is being carried out in close cooperation with NRW.URBAN Service GmbH, NEULAND HAMBACH GmbH, Kolpingstadt Kerpen, BERDI Planung GmbH, and Achenbach & Partner Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH. The project combines regional history, industrial culture, and contemporary uses in a place that brings encounters and culture to life. CSZ is supporting this transformation process with technical expertise and sustainable solutions. The structural design is carried out by our team in Münster. The site is becoming a visible cultural anchor beyond the region – an example of how engineering and structural change can go hand in hand.

Are you interested in sustainability and structural engineering?
➡️ Find out more on our homepage—or apply now directly to CSZ.
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