The 1999 master plan envisaged the redevelopment of the disused "Zollverein" coal mine and coking plant that was to be carried out by 2006: After obtaining the status as a "World Heritage Site" the transformation began in 2001 to turn it into a design and cultural centre with four elements: the Zollverein Design School, Ruhr Museum, Metaform and Design Business Park. 

The "World Heritage Site" status enabled it to tap into a variety of funding that was associated with a range of different interests and had to be properly coordinated.