New village square in Holste: 460,000 euros for a modern community center!

New village square in Holste: 460,000 euros for a modern community center!

The municipality of Holste has big plans for the junction of the Russenpad with District Administrator Christian Evers Street (K23). A new meeting place is to be created here that will revitalize the village community. In total, the renovation work is expected to cost around 460,000 euros. A large part of this sum, namely 90 percent, will come from the village renewal funding pot, while the community itself will have to raise 46,000 euros Weser courier reported.

The planned space will not only invite the shooting club and sailing club in the area, but will also integrate the nearby Waidmansruh restaurant into the action. About 25 years ago, investments were made here as part of a village renewal program, but this was only partially implemented. Although the existing rifle hall was improved, the space was hardly used by the village community. This led to the decision to now make a fresh start and develop a renewed concept in order to increase the quality of stay and create space for meetings and events.

Planned measures and applications

The new project is based on a profile of current village renewal, which was revised by a dedicated working group. Numerous facilities are planned to enliven the square. These include, among other things, a “mobile charcoal burner's hut”, a stylish clinker bench, a barbecue hut, an inviting seating area and a stand for the maypole. The plans also include a covered terrace at the Schützenheim, a shelter and bicycle racks on the state road. A boules court and additional parking spaces will also be created.

In order to implement the new ideas, the deadline for submitting applications is just around the corner. A new application for funding must be submitted by September. The background: The funding rate is likely to be reduced next year, which means that action should be taken quickly to secure support.

Support from the federal level

The village development in Holste is part of a larger trend. In Germany there are comprehensive funding programs for the development of rural areas that are provided by federal and state authorities. According to information from BMLEH Among other things, measures such as the design of village squares, the maintenance of community facilities and leisure and local recreation facilities can be promoted. The amount of funding varies depending on the federal state and can be up to 65 percent of the eligible costs.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Homeland promotes innovative projects to strengthen communities in rural towns and cities under the BULEplus program. This program aims to strengthen social cohesion and promote resilience in rural regions. The focus here will be on creating social meeting places and promoting social cohesion. The application deadline for projects in these areas ends on November 20, 2023, which could bring additional opportunities for the municipality of Holste.

The initiative to build a new village square is a step in the right direction to strengthen the community structure and make rural areas more attractive. Holste seems to be well on its way to becoming a more lively place for all villagers.