High-Rise Development Plan HEP2024

The High-Rise Development Plan 2024 (HEP2024) is a strategic framework published by the City of Frankfurt's Department of Planning and Housing, in collaboration with AS+P Albert Speer + Partner GmbH. This plan aims to guide vertical urban development in Frankfurt am Main, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in high-rise construction.

The HEP2024 introduces 14 new high-rise locations concentrated in two main areas: the Banking District and the East End surrounding the European Central Bank. This marks a significant update from the previous high-rise development plan, which was last revised in 2008. The strategic shift emphasizes mixed-use developments instead of monofunctional office towers, aiming to create vibrant urban neighborhoods.

A key focus of the HEP2024 is the integration of sustainability into urban planning. The plan outlines over 500,000 square meters of additional office space potential while promoting qualitative conditions that enhance the interaction of high-rise buildings with their surroundings. It mandates publicly accessible ground floors and community-enhancing functions at building bases, fostering improved urban livability.

Notably, the plan does not designate new locations for purely residential high-rise buildings. This decision stems from concerns that existing residential towers have largely become investment vehicles for international buyers, leading to low occupancy rates. The focus remains on creating functional spaces that benefit the local community rather than contributing to speculative real estate trends.

The formal resolution by the city council includes Annex 4, which establishes the binding framework for future high-rise planning in Frankfurt. This annex details the new and retained high-rise locations, requirements for the planning process, and general qualitative conditions for development. Additional documents include a development concept, individual site profiles for the 14 locations, and supplementary analyses on sustainability, mobility, and urban climate.

In October 2025, the HEP2024 received the ICONIC AWARD 2025 from the German Design Council in the Concept category. This award recognized the plan's integrated approach to high-rise development, combining urban planning, sustainability, and quality-of-life standards into a coherent strategic framework. The award highlights the importance of creating a positive urban experience through careful planning.

All documents related to the plan, including the development concept, site profiles, and supplementary studies, are publicly available on the Frankfurt City Planning Office website. This transparency allows stakeholders and interested parties to engage with the framework and understand its implications for future urban development in Frankfurt. The HEP2024 not only seeks to consolidate Frankfurt's skyline but also aims to ensure that future vertical developments contribute positively to urban quality and sustainability, reflecting the city's identity and addressing contemporary housing challenges.