Bamberg's new youth center Benze” inspires young people!

Bamberg's new youth center Benze” inspires young people!

There is reason to be happy in Bamberg: The new “Benze” youth center has been very well received by young people since its opening on September 27, 2025, which was celebrated by around 350 enthusiastic visitors. Mayor Jonas Glüsenkamp paid a visit to the center on Coburger Straße to get an idea of ​​the activities that have already started. As the Wiesentbote reports, the center is already being used eagerly, although some facilities are still under construction.

What is in the “Benze”? Plans include, among other things, a recording studio, a band rehearsal room and a skate hall, which are sure to provide a lot of fun. The common room, equipped with table tennis tables and a table football table, as well as a cozy bar, also offers young people a place to linger. Young artists can let their imaginations run wild in the creative workshop and sporting activities are provided in the exercise room.

Planting, working and intervening

The opening times from Wednesday to Friday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., offer young people numerous opportunities to visit the center. A special highlight: On Wednesdays, young people can actively help set up furniture and rooms. This not only promotes community spirit, but also allows them to have a part in the design of their new meeting place. Workshops and events are also being planned to increase youth participation and provide them with a platform.

But the “Benze” is not only a refuge for young people, but is also in the context of the National Action Plan for Child and Youth Participation. This was launched by the Federal Ministry of Youth to make the voice of young people visible and to promote their active participation. As the Federal Minister for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth explains on the page on youth participation, it is important that children and young people can take part in participation processes on an equal basis with adults and that youth-friendly communication forms the basis for this.

The importance of youth participation

The initiatives that will be offered to young people in the future should not only bring fun and variety, but also strengthen the feeling of personal responsibility and community. Key results of the action plan confirm that all young people should have access to these services. A well-trained team will accompany and support the young people so that they can actively participate in their community.

With the “Benze” in Bamberg, another step has been taken in the right direction. It shows that the needs of young people there are being listened to and there are opportunities to get actively involved. The mayor and the initiators around Sandra Ender from iso e.V. and Jérèmie Gnaedig from Open Youth Work have shown a good knack for creating a place where young people can grow and develop.

The future looks promising and we are excited to see what creative and social projects will emerge at “Benze”. The commitment is certainly not only a benefit for the young people, but for the entire community.