Norder city center in change: survey shows positive development!

A current survey, carried out by IFH Cologne between September and November 2022, examined the attractiveness of Norder city center. According to Nwzonline were asked 400 visitors in Osterstrasse, in the new path and in the Norder Tor shopping center. The result of the survey shows that the overall attractiveness of the city center was rated 2.2 in 2024, which represents an improvement compared to grade 2.6 in 2022.

north does an average of 2.5 compared to 32 cities with 25,000 to 50,000 inhabitants, since the average is 2.5. The main reason for visiting the city center is shopping or strolling, with 74 % of those surveyed. The range of services (37 %) and gastronomy (36 %) also play an important role. However, only 6.8 % visit the city center for lingering or for sightseeing, while 4 % come because of the leisure and cultural offerings. The survey also showed that 58 % of the respondents visit the city center every day, which is an increase in visibility compared to 2022.

mobility and requests for improvement

43 % of those surveyed use the car for arrival, while 37 % ride a bike or e-bike-a value that is well above average for comparable cities. On the other hand, public transport is used by 6.8 % of visitors. The average age of the respondents is 44.4 years, with 54.2 % male and 45.8 % female. The survey also shows that 31.3 % of the respondents live in the north, while 68.7 % come from outside, especially from towns such as Hage, Großheide, Esens, Krummhörn and Großefehn.

The respondents expressed clear wishes for measures against vacancy and fallow land in the city center, whereby 58 % consider them important. The expansion of e-charging stations is also considered necessary by 48 % of the participants. Further improvement requests include more offers for children and adolescents (33 %), an improved offer of toilet as well as additional events and open Sundays (19 %). The expansion of the pedestrian zone (15 %) and more parking facilities (11 %) were also required. The city administration is already planning measures to beautify empty rooms, such as foiling the shop windows.

A supplementary study entitled "Future-Find City Cities: Intermediate Balance and Strategies" by Imakomm, about the dstgb reported, currently examines challenges for city centers. Almost 750 representatives from municipalities and business associations took part in the event in Germany. Forecasts indicate that retail companies could decrease by up to 14 % and that catering businesses could also have a decrease of 6–7 %.

The study reported on the attractiveness of the inner cities of a significant decline in frequencies: In the period from July to September 2023, only 87 % of people were on the go in comparison to 2019. The vacancy rates also increase in different position classes, with C layers increasing from 13 % to 21 % and also increasing B-layers from 10 % to 15 %. The need for sustainable, integrated urban development is considered centrally for the future of the inner cities and relies on a redesign into mixed use.