Hello Leipzig: Here’s how Tuesday 7 July 2026 begins

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PhD students can apply for a job at the university library from today. There’ll be music with deep bass notes at the wine festival; in Liebertwolkwitz, a playground is being refurbished in line with the children’s wishes; and, for the first time this year, members of the public can also vote for the Leipzig Architecture Prize. And following the reopening of the Karlbrücke, the neighbouring Könneritzbrücke is now closed.

Restrictions on cross-border traffic

Fortunately, the Karlbrücke on Industriestraße is now open to traffic again. But now the second of the two routes linking Schleußig and Plagwitz is closed! From today, road users must prepare for a long-term closure at the start of Könneritzstraße. Leipzig Waterworks is commencing extensive work on the drinking water and wastewater infrastructure between Klingerweg and the Könneritz Bridge; according to the new schedule, this is set to last from 7 July 2026 until the end of April 2027.

As part of the construction project, drinking water pipes in the road area will be relocated and replaced. This will be followed by the refurbishment of the so-called Rödeldüker on the grounds of the Karl-Heine-Villa and the Klingerweg boathouse belonging to Sportclub DHfK Leipzig e.V. A culvert is a pipe that carries water or wastewater under obstacles such as rivers or roads. In addition, two new manhole structures will be built, whilst existing pipe systems will be dismantled or rebuilt.

Despite the works, the drinking water supply will generally remain secure. According to the waterworks, brief supply interruptions may occur only whilst individual property connections are being reconnected. The properties affected will be informed in good time via notices. The construction works will cause significant traffic restrictions.

Könneritzstraße is closed to motor vehicle traffic between the Könneritz Bridge and the junction with Anton-Bruckner-Allee. Pedestrians may continue to cross the Könneritz Bridge. Cyclists may continue to use Könneritzstraße during the first phase of construction, from 7 July until mid-September. The closure will remain in place until the culvert renovation is completed in April 2027.

From mid-September, a second phase of works will expand the scope of the project. Access to Schleußig from Käthe-Kollwitz-Straße via the former Rödelbrücke is to be maintained throughout the entire construction phase.

Tin bass at the Bacchus Festival

“No bass and no hair – through the 80s with City”. What became the motto of one of the biggest rock bands in the East is, so to speak, written into the constitution of an ambitious band from Leipzig. Mind you, they do have hair, and for a simple reason: they want to make music because they’re friends, but André Piesch doesn’t want to give up his tuba, which he’s still taking lessons on today.

And so ‘Re:Play’, fronted by singer Leonor Resende, are a band whose driving low notes spring from a rich brass section. Tonight, they can be seen from 6.30 pm at the Leipzig Wine Festival on the Markt. The hits that this young ensemble performs aren’t simply cover versions. Speaking to the LZ, the man behind the deep tones promises: “We’re not a tribute band. There are songs we love, but they take on a new life in our line-up and are sure to surprise.”

Let the audience decide what’s great

At last, an award that’s also about what appeals to the general public. Today marks the start of the application period for the 14th edition of the City of Leipzig Architecture Prize. For the first time, a People’s Choice Award will also be presented, allowing the people of Leipzig themselves to vote for particularly successful buildings.

Until 18 September 2026, architects and developers can submit projects completed within the city of Leipzig between 2022 and 2026. The competition is seeking buildings and outdoor space designs of outstanding architectural quality. Particular attention will be paid to projects that exemplify sustainable and resource-efficient construction. The competition documents are available from today at www.leipzig.de/architekturpreis and via www.competitionline.com.

Thomas Dienberg, the city’s mayor for construction, emphasises this new opportunity for public participation: “This year, the people of Leipzig will also be able to vote on which buildings deserve an award. After all, the way the built environment is designed in the city is not just a matter for experts; it has a direct impact on the quality of life of each and every individual.”

In December 2026, all submitted entries will be exhibited in the Lower Foyer of the New Town Hall. It will then be possible to vote for the People’s Choice Award there and online for the first time. The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 2027.

The Architecture Prize was last awarded in 2023. On that occasion, three awards were presented: for the completed Tarostraße nursery, the extension to the Apollonia von Wiedebach School, and the skate park in Leipzig Grünau. The city’s Architecture Prize is usually awarded every two years, alternating with the Cultural Foundation’s Hieronymus Lotter Prize for Heritage Conservation, and dates back to a city council resolution passed in 1999. Most recently, the award had been suspended due to Leipzig’s financial situation.

This playground should belong to the children

Today, the City of Leipzig is providing information on the planned refurbishment of the “Wiesengrund” playground in Liebertwolkwitz. The public information session begins at 4 pm directly on the site in question, at the junction of Wiesengrund and Schaukelgraben.

The current draft plan will be presented; it is based, amongst other things, on ideas put forward by children from the Liebertwolkwitz Primary School’s after-school club during a workshop in April 2026. Interested residents will have the opportunity to find out about the planned redesign and to contribute their suggestions to the ongoing planning process.

The event forms part of the town’s public consultation process and is intended to help ensure that the future design of the playground is tailored to the needs of families and children in the neighbourhood.

Working towards a PhD in peace and quiet

On the arduous path to a PhD – and then constant partying? The only remedy is a quiet workspace of your own. From today, PhD students at the University of Leipzig can apply for a workspace in the Library of Education and Sports Science. The application deadline is 13 September 2026; proof of eligibility is required.

The University Library has now made the online application form available on its website. Workspaces in the Bibliotheca Albertina are not being offered during this allocation period due to building works. The available workspaces are equipped with a PC, two monitors, large desks, shelves and lockable cupboards. They are allocated for fixed usage times: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 3 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm, or Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 10 pm and Saturdays from 2 pm to 6 pm; Arrangements can be made within the rooms.

According to the University Library, the PhD students’ study room can be accessed with a personal key. The Library also points out that the service is continuously evaluated and that user feedback is expressly welcome. Due to the expected demand, there is no guarantee of a place.