Around 40 years ago, the river Sieg disappeared from the cityscape of Siegen. Covered by a sheet of concrete, it served as a parking area. At that time, practical benefits were sought. Today the city wants to offers its citizens greater living quality. Under the slogan “Siegen – heading for new shores”, the river has been cleared and a flight of stairs leads down to the shore, inviting people to linger beside the water. The Lower Castle in the heart of town is also being reused: an Old Town campus is being created here. In addition, the hospital next door is being converted into student housing. The university is planning to hold events that non-students can attend, enabling residents to benefit from the educational offer.