Wittenberge on the move: New projects are transforming the city center!

Wittenberge on the move: New projects are transforming the city center!

A lot is happening in Wittenberge! Transport connections have improved greatly thanks to the upgrading of the Bahnstrasse, and the funding program “Sustainable Inner Cities and Centers” (ZIZ) in particular is providing a breath of fresh air. Northern Courier reports that the city has benefited from this program since September 2022. In recent years, numerous projects have been implemented to spruce up the city center and make it more attractive for citizens and visitors.

By August 2023, a total of 963,000 euros had flowed into the implementation of 28 individual projects through the ZIZ program. The city of Wittenberge contributed around 100,000 euros as its own contribution. One of the highlight projects was the “Urban Art” art project, in which six facades in the city center were creatively designed in 2023. Among other things, you can hardly ignore the artistic innovations on Lenzener Straße and Rathausstraße.

New impulses and actions

Another step in the right direction is the recently held vacancy competition, which was launched in 2023/24. The goal is to find new tenants for four vacant commercial spaces. As part of this change, Masha Lofft from the “Galerie am Stern” at Bahnstraße 88 shows how you can combine local art and participatory activities.

In the run-up to the 2027 State Garden Show, Wittenberg residents can also look forward to a special floral decoration: around 5,000 roses will be created that visitors can design themselves. Something is also happening in terms of equipment in the city center: new benches, play equipment as well as bicycle racks and charging stations for e-bikes have been installed to improve the quality of stay.

There are now two square benches set up around plane trees on Paul-Lincke-Platz. There are also hemispherical jumping elements next to the culture and festival hall as well as a “memory” game, which now invites interaction in front of the old department store and the future library. If you want something a little easier, you can try the “Tic Tac Toe” game at “Martha’s table”.

Citizen participation and planning approaches

Citizen participation was also strengthened as part of the ZIZ program. The Wittenbergers were able to contribute their ideas for new play equipment and the so-called “Neue Mitte” via the “Anrog.Bar”. This central project aims to develop the areas around Paul-Lincke-Platz, the market square and Bahnhofstrasse and Rathausstrasse into the new city center. In February 2023, the first drafts were presented by three planning offices - much to the delight of the committed citizens and Mayor Oliver Hermann, who praised the great interest.

The ZIZ program, supported by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction, is part of a broader initiative to address structural change in city centers, which has been accelerated by online commerce and the challenges of the corona pandemic. The federal government is making up to 250 million euros available from 2022 to 2025 to promote the development of attractive and sustainable centers. A special focus is placed on creating multifunctional offerings in city centers that combine social, professional and cultural aspects ( Downtown program ).

Overall, it is clear: Wittenberge is developing into a place where living, working and living go hand in hand - and with a creative approach that always puts the citizens at the center.