Lüneburg's city center in danger: vacancy and solutions asked!

Lüneburg's city center in danger: vacancy and solutions asked!

The mood in Lüneburg is currently mixed: While the city shines at this year's city cycling with 3500 participants and 606,000 kilometers traveled, there are also cloudy times that are strengthened by the vacancy in the former Lünebuch-Haus on the market. Article by Carlo Eggeling on Lüneburg currently emphasizes that despite the efforts to make the building more appealing, the critical condition of the property is diving the positive impression of the city. Creative solutions are needed to create an inviting atmosphere and make the city center more lively.

The city administration has already provided millions of millions of vacancies and construction in 2026, which could be a step in the right direction. Nevertheless, the Lüneburgers are not alone with their problem. According to a recent study by Imakomm, published on DStGB , the retail trade in German city centers could decrease by up to 14%. Gastronomy businesses will expect a decline of 6-7%. The frequencies in the city centers also show that there is a need for action, because from July to September 2023 there were only 87% of people on the way compared to 2019.

looking for solutions

The vacancy in Lüneburg is only a facet of a major problem that affects many cities in Germany. The vacancy rate in C-layers has increased to 21%, while B-layers show an increase to 15%. Innovative approaches are required to reverse these developments. City marketing has already changed employees to bring a breath of fresh air to the city center, but the challenges are enormous. In Lüneburg there are currently over 50 vacancies that need to be addressed.

More and more cities are thinking about opening empty areas for new uses. This ranges from co-working spaces to social facilities to pop-up stores that create temporary attractions. In Austria, for example, projects for the conversion of empty areas are on the rise in order to counteract the increasing vacancy rate, which is currently 4.9%. The relocation of shops on outskirts helps to ensure that inner cities are losing attractiveness.

look into the future

the federal and state governments are obliged to create the financial foundations for the conversion of inner cities. An integrated approach to urban development, including citizens and local actors, could be the key to recruit inner cities. Measures that create living space, green design and experience horizons for citizens are indispensable. According to the DStGB, the new federal government has to set clear course here to increase the frequencies and to improve the attractiveness of the inner cities.

The current developments and initiatives make it clear that it is necessary to combine clever and think creatively. Hope for a revitalized city center lives, even if the way there remains a challenge. And maybe Lüneburg will soon be an example of how cities can create the turn. Concepts used in the past could finally bring the decisive success if all actors pull together to combat the vacancy.