Citizens allow Norma expansion: risk for Wismar's city center?

Citizens allow Norma expansion: risk for Wismar's city center?

The decision will have far-reaching consequences for retail in Wismar: On September 25th, the citizens decided with 20 yes and 7 no votes to remove the controversial wall in the Norma shopping market on the Tierpark promenade. Since the opening of the newly built market in April 2023, this wall has hidden what is behind it - a whopping 400 square meters of additional sales space that can now finally be used. These changing circumstances are no coincidence, as the market had to be rebuilt after a devastating fire in October 2019, which completely destroyed the previous building. Before the fire, the Norma had 800 square meters of space, but the new structure now has an impressive 1,300 square meters, including a bakery and a café. A trend that is emerging: The larger markets should obviously lead to a broader presentation of goods and a friendlier shopping experience, as Norma argues. Ostsee-Zeitung reports.

But the joy about the expansion is clouded by concerns from political representatives from the Left and Greens, who fear the danger of too much retail in Wismar. The city center in particular could have to take a step back in terms of interest. Further plans are also being revealed: In addition to Norma on the Tierparkpromenade, a larger Lidl on Lübschen Straße is also being expanded from 800 to 1,100 square meters, and Norma also wants to expand its market area on Hoher Damm from 720 to 1,200 square meters. Even on the corner of Philosophenweg and Rostocker Straße there are expansions of around 400 square meters. Particularly interesting voices come from René Domke (FDP) and Jens-Holger Schneider (AfD), who already called for uniform regulations for supermarkets at the July meeting of the citizens. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop further.

Investigations and causes of fire

There is another dark shadow on the edge of the developments surrounding the Norma shopping market: a 26-year-old man from the district of Northwest Mecklenburg has come into the sights of investigators because of the fire that reduced the old market building to rubble and ashes in 2019. The Wismar district court has issued an arrest warrant on suspicion of theft in a particularly serious case and arson. According to the authorities, the suspect entered the market through the roof and not only stole large quantities of cigarettes, but also a wall safe with 300 euros in change. Ultimately, he is said to have set the fire to cover his tracks. The resulting material damage amounts to around 5 million euros. Despite admitting to the crimes when he was arrested, he remains innocent until proven otherwise - according to the public prosecutor's office. Snaktuell reported on this.

Challenges for inner cities

At a time when retail has unique challenges to overcome, the COVID-19 pandemic is still making waves. Added to this are the effects of the energy crisis and inflation, which cast a further shadow over urban centers. According to a current study by the Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research (BBSR), city centers are characterized by a broad mix of uses, with the vacancy rate in central ground floor locations being higher than before the pandemic, but not as worrying as feared. The attractiveness of these urban centers is largely determined by shopping and dining options, and innovative concepts could play a role in overcoming the misery in the future. The understanding that shops are places where people meet could also help to strengthen inner cities. BBSR sheds light on these topics.