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Future of the city center in Rotenburg: residential use on the ground floor failed!
The Rotenburg city council is discussing the use of ground floors for residential purposes while vacancies are increasing and the application was rejected.
Future of the city center in Rotenburg: residential use on the ground floor failed!
Vacancies are threatening to increase in Rotburg's city center, and this has now also caused political waves. On November 6, 2025, the CDU parliamentary group submitted an application to the city council to review the use of ground floor areas for residential purposes. But the answer from the city administration was sobering: This step would not be possible without a coordinated concept for more living space. District newspaper reports that there have been intensive discussions on this topic in committees and on social networks in recent weeks.
The building use regulations stipulate that residential use on the ground floor can only be permitted in exceptional cases. In areas such as Große Straße or “Am Wasser”, the ground floor should be reserved for businesses even for existing larger shops. Mayor Torsten Oestmann commented accordingly and noted that there was great “headwind” against the regulation.
Dispute over vacancies and housing options
Numerous old shops are closing, chain stores are disappearing, and the signs of gradual decline are evident. The vote in the council ultimately ended in a stalemate, which means that there is currently no majority for the test order to examine the possibilities of residential use in more detail. CDU mayoral candidate Henning Poppe tried to calm the critics, but Green Party spokesman Stefan Fuchs criticized the ideas as inadequate for revitalizing the city center.
In the coming months, the administration is expected to present a revised concept that could bring clarity. Smaller shops in particular could theoretically allow residential use from a depth of 5 to 7 meters, but concrete plans are still a long way off.
Challenges for start-ups and small businesses
The offer also includes support from theAmazon Launchpad, which helps with product visibility, as well as theAmazon Delivery Service Partner Program, which offers financial support for logistics start-ups. However, anyone interested in one of the financing options must be actively selling and have a decent sales record.
Digital communication as a tool for entrepreneurs
Digitalization has long since found its way into the business world. The use of platforms such as WhatsApp Web is becoming increasingly popular to facilitate communication. Mundo Cuentas explains that WhatsApp Web makes using the computer easier and clearer. The ability to send messages via the browser can make the everyday life of entrepreneurs much easier and save time.
Incognito mode is available for anyone who wants to manage multiple accounts at the same time. A desktop shortcut can make things even more user-friendly. In times when efficiency is required, this could be a small but important advantage for many small business owners.
Whether in politics when it comes to the use of living space or in business because of the challenge of financing and digital communication - it remains to be seen how the situation in Rotenburg will develop and what strategies will be used to revitalize the city center.