Following the closure of the coal mine in 1986 and the coking plant in 1993, a master plan with four projects was developed in 1999 that should transform the Zollverein into a design and cultural location. The task for the infrastructure consisted of planning and executing the internal development through upgrading, extending and adapting the road and infrastructure network for the commercial and development areas. It was important here to take account of the prevailing traffic situation, any existing site rehabilitation and the heritage protection requirements.