Demolition of the Karstadt building in Bremerhaven: new Novo building by 2029!

Demolition of the Karstadt building in Bremerhaven: new Novo building by 2029!

On Tuesday, November 1, 2025, a new phase in urban development was heralded in Bremerhaven: the demolition of the original Karstadt building in the pedestrian zone has begun. This long-awaited measure became necessary after the Karstadt branch closed in 2018 and the city promised a comprehensive redesign of the area. Despite some delays, the demolition should be completed by the end of 2026, followed by the completion of the successor building “Novo” by 2029, as butenunbinnen.de reports.

The city acquired the site for over 15 million euros and decided to demolish the old building from the 1950s and 1970s. A major problem is the previous discovery of asbestos, which can add considerable time to the demolition process. However, project manager Jan-Peter Heß is optimistic about the future and emphasizes that the complete demolition should be completed as planned by the end of 2024.

New life for the city center

The future “Novo” building will have a multifaceted use. Plans include, among other things, a youth hostel and a library, elements that are intended to increase the attractiveness of the location. The estimated cost of the project is now around 90 million euros, which is an increase compared to the originally estimated 75 million euros. Financing is ensured by the municipal housing company and the municipal property company and not by private investors, which is met with criticism from the political opposition. This calls for greater involvement of private investors in the development process.

Mayor Melf Grantz expressed optimism about the schedule despite criticism from the opposition. While the plans are well received in the city, there are also voices calling for more citizen participation in the design plans for the new building, particularly from the political left.

connection with the region

The changes in Bremerhaven are not only related to urban development, but also reflect a general trend towards modernization and revitalization in many northern German cities. Similar efforts can also be seen in offers for the older population, such as those provided by the Club 50plus in Quebec. This offers a platform for singles aged 50 and over who are looking for new acquaintances and perhaps even a partner.

The increased life expectancy and the search for social contacts in this age group are important because many people over 50 want to remain active in everyday life and explore new paths. Of course, your own appearance and health also play a big role, which is what companies like Meaningful Beauty is brought into focus. Here, age preservation is emphasized through innovative skin care products based on the rare French melon - an approach that appeals to many who place a lot of importance on their external appearance.

Overall, the developments in Bremerhaven reflect a mixture of progress and tradition, with the focus on lively and sustainable urban design that takes all age groups into account.