From Südplatz to Katharinenstraße: Weikert Studio opens at a new location

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For years, they looked like a familiar pair: ‘Pussy Galore’ on the left, ‘Weikert Studio’ on the right. Südplatz seemed set to become a lovely little spot for shopping and dressing up in style. Yet Südplatz has a massive design problem. It should have been redeveloped long ago to significantly improve the quality of the public space. It’s right at the top of the list in Leipzig’s town square programme.

There was also a public consultation in 2024. But the square’s redevelopment remains a distant prospect. Stephan Weikert has now pulled the plug and moved his studio into the city centre.

“As one of the first phased redevelopment measures under the City Square Programme, the street at Südplatz will be transformed into an inviting meeting place in the heart of the Südvorstadt,” say the city planners

, painting a thoroughly optimistic picture of Südplatz’s future.

“Directly on the bustling main thoroughfare of Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, a space will be created that offers additional opportunities for people to linger, relax and socialise. Situated opposite the Südplatz tram stop, the street space is intended to serve as a meeting place and, thanks to additional greenery, offer the best possible quality of stay for all generations.”

However, it will be years before a truly recognisable square with a pleasant atmosphere is created here – one that also invites people to stroll to the shops.

Noisy and grey

The conclusion drawn from the public consultation was clear: “The outcome of the two consultation rounds shows that, in its current state, the square is perceived as lively, but also as noisy and grey. Looking ahead, most residents would like to see the square made greener and more attractive through the addition of more planting. Furthermore, most people consider it important to be able to spend time in a pleasant environment and for there to be sufficient seating available.

The square should remain easily accessible as a thoroughfare for pedestrians and cyclists, whilst also encouraging social interaction. The desire was also expressed for the square to be clean and quiet. Particularly in the context of digital participation, there is a clear need for more green spaces and a design that encourages people to linger.”

Move to Katharinenstraße

But this does nothing at all to help the current traders on the square. After all, a lack of appeal as a place to spend time inevitably means a lack of customers. This is true even – and especially – for such a high-end offering as that provided by Stephan Weikert in his studio
. A number of temporary construction sites on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße also made life particularly difficult for him.

He experienced what many self-employed people in Leipzig go through: every financial year became a real struggle. But rather than waiting for better times at Südplatz, he looked for new premises in the city centre, at a thoroughly good address: on the ground floor of the Fregehaus at 11 Katharinenstraße.

On Friday, 30 October, he is now inviting people to the opening celebration at the new shop at 11 Katharinenstraße. He wants the people of Leipzig to know that he can now be found here and that he aims to turn this address into a “place for select clothing, special fragrances, regional tailors, independent designers and genuine arts and crafts”.

“We value personal service, high-quality materials and products with character,” he emphasises. “From exclusive perfumes and jewellery to unique handcrafted pieces, there is plenty to discover.”

To mark the opening, Stephan Weikert has also invited the designers from Rowac, the artist and jewellery designer Sebastian Gögel, and Franz von Stauffenberg to a spirits tasting.

The opening at the new premises at Katharinenstraße 11 will take place on Friday, 30 October, from 11.00 am to 8.00 pm.