Citizens demand the future for Celles Karstadt: Clear solutions required!

Citizens demand the future for Celles Karstadt: Clear solutions required!

Celle, Deutschland - Last Saturday, the results of a significant citizens' survey on the future of the empty Karstadt building were presented in Celle. The initiative "Altstadt Celle - Remember" reported that a total of 219 citizens took part in the survey. The great public interest in the development of the Karstadt area suggests that many Celler is a quick solution to the heart of avoiding a long building that could harm retail. Over 60 percent of the respondents clearly advocated that the city should acquire the area. M. Hönig and G. Langhans, the speakers of the initiative, emphasized how important a clear perspective is for the city center. In addition, over 70 percent of the participants would like an active participation of the urban society in the future development of the site.

The initiative sees itself confirmed by the survey results to promote an open dialogue and new impulses for downtown development. The aim is to bring politics, administration and citizens together to create a lively and sustainable old town. Celler Presse reports that this commitment is reflected in the fundamental desire for a lively cityscape.

political perspectives and demands

The political factions of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and WG/Party also require more clarity on the future of the Karstadt building. According to Greens Celle, the decision about the Karstadt site was postponed to autumn 2025 due to the interest of a commissioned planning office. Johanna Thomsen (Green Group) and Torsten Schoeps (WG/Party) submitted a joint request for the next council meeting. You would like to receive information about the examination of various scenarios, mobility and parking concepts as well as costs and visibility of the plans.

The question is particularly explosive when the finished concept of the city is presented and whether sufficient citizen participation is planned. Thomsen and Schoeps emphasize that the “Karstadt” project must not be further delayed. This makes it clear that the pressure is growing from both the citizens and politics in order to promote the development of the area.

Citizen participation as a key to design

The initiative and the political factions in Celle agree: In order to make the Karstadt area alive, the input of the citizens is needed. A community approach could form the basis for successful urban development that takes all interests into account. This is an exciting challenge that should be a stir in the coming months - and to pull the Celler with shaping and supporting it!