Roland gets a place for all generations

The funds will be used to redesign the area in front of the community centre in the Roland district - a key project from the Roland village development concept (DIEK) from 2018.

The aim of the project is to transform the previously unstructured area into a multifunctional village square with the character of a park - as a meeting place for all generations and as a connecting element in the heart of Roland. The area was created after the demolition of the former church and is already used for events such as the Christmas market.

Mayor Gerdhenrich and two members of the administration from the urban planning and business development department responsible for the project discussed the final details with representatives from Roland at an on-site meeting.

"I am delighted that the commitment of the people of Roland has been honoured with this funding. Roland has been heavily involved in the participation formats in the village and has shown that community is a way of life here. Together, we have taken this important step towards renewing the village square in Roland," said Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich at the symbolic handover of the grant to representatives of the village community. "I would also like to thank the church for jointly finding a solution for this area in the centre of Roland," Gerdhenrich continued. The focus was on the expected construction period from spring to summer 2026 and questions about the implementation planning. "It was particularly important to us that the square would remain usable for events such as the Christmas market in the future," explains Michael Demling. "For example, the future positioning of the huts along the new paths is an important element of the planning."

What was particularly nice was that the next generation of future square users was already present at the site visit. "They symbolise the future of this place," says Werner Weidner happily.

Central elements of the design are a paved circular path with links to the surrounding area, a recreation area with a canopy and table/bench combination next to the former church tower as well as benches along the paths and loungers under existing trees. The planting areas with shrubs and meadows will be renewed to structure the square, and decorative beds with robust perennials will also contribute to the design of the square. The existing trees will be carefully preserved and supplemented by new planting in the transition area to the neighbouring playground. New lighting, especially for the church tower, will round off the redesign.

The town of Beckum is aiming for a funding rate of around 65 per cent of the costs. Preparations for the tender can now begin. Depending on the weather, the renovation is expected to begin in winter or spring 2026.