Aurich's market hall shines again: from demolition to future project!

Aurich's market hall shines again: from demolition to future project!

The Aurich market hall, a long-controversial building, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis in recent years. Originally built in 1990/91 as part of the construction of an underground car park, the hall was intended to serve as a regional marketing center for agricultural products and as a cultural meeting point with an adjacent brewery. But the concept failed in 1996 and the building stood empty for a long time until it offered a new cultural space with almost 800 live concerts in 1999. Nevertheless, the future of the market hall remained unclear until the turn of the millennium, and various plans for further use met with cautious interest from the city, as [nwzonline.de](https://www.nwzonline.de/landkreis-aurich/auricher-markthalle-vom-abriss-zum-neuen- Glanz-2025_a_4,2,1002727705.html) reports.

The situation escalated in 2023 when politicians issued an ultimatum: either the market hall must be revitalized or demolished. After a dark phase with the threat of vacancy, during which the city's children had hoped for a new café in the hall, the project finally took off in 2025. Today the market hall not only shines in new splendor, it is also celebrated as an important part of the city's history and shows the will of the people of Aurich to preserve their tradition. A bright spot is the “Extrablatt” café, which will become a central part of the new use and thus averted the impending scenario of demolition.

A lively market square in the heart of Aurich

The market hall not far from Marktplatz, one of the largest market squares in northern Germany, is part of a vibrant center that attracts visitors with its charm. Surrounded by cafés, ice cream parlors and restaurants with inviting outdoor seating, the square is a popular meeting place for young and old. Historical buildings, such as the “Knodtsche Haus”, which was built in the Dutch late Baroque style, give the place a special character. But the ball and steel fountain also provide refreshment in the warm months, especially for the little guests.

A highlight of the market square is the “Sous Tower”, a large sculpture by the artist Albert Sous, which is not only a popular photo motif, but also remains controversial among locals. During large events, such as the Aurich wine and gourmet festival or the atmospheric Christmas magic in December, the square is transformed into a cheerful party location that brings joy to many people. The market hall is also used for the weekly market, which offers a variety of fresh food on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays - Low German is the language of choice here.

Looking for new uses

A current study by GfK GeoMarketing shows that market halls in major German cities often struggle with functional deficits and face competition from supermarkets and discounters. Many of these deficiencies can be attributed to inappropriate locations. However, the Aurich market hall could have the chance to grow new thanks to its close integration into the city structure and the high footfall. Essential location factors such as visibility, good accessibility and synergies with local restaurants play a crucial role, as gfk-geomarketing.de emphasizes.

With the transformation process of the market hall behind it, the city of Aurich has its finger on the pulse of the times and is a symbol of the commitment to maintaining the living history of a city. In the coming years, the market hall could therefore once again become a cultural center that attracts not only locals but also visitors and presents a new concept for urban communities away from traditional supply options.