Güstrow: Old sugar factory becomes a modern railport for freight transport!

Güstrow: Old sugar factory becomes a modern railport for freight transport!

Things are going well again in Güstrow! On the site of the former sugar factory, work is being done diligently on a new transshipment terminal, which will operate under the name “Railport Güstrow”. This initiative promises to breathe new life into the region's freight transport and could prove to be a real goldmine for the city. Loud NDR The terminal is to be built in an advantageous location, as sugar beets are abundantly grown around Güstrow.

For this purpose, the city has leased the industrial area's tracks to the company ENON, which already successfully operates three container terminals in Brandenburg. The company plans to develop the site for loading shipping containers over the next two years. Mayor Sascha Zimmermann (FDP) describes the project as a “milestone for Güstrow”. The location should not only be upgraded, but also attract more companies. The tracks are currently being upgraded and dilapidated sleepers are being replaced, so the first trains are expected as early as July 2025.

Economic potential in Güstrow

But that's not all! Güstrow has much more economic potential to offer, which has not been lost despite some failed projects on the site of the former sugar factory. Although a vehicle logistics and service center could not be built, discussions are already underway with other interested companies that may want to leave their footprints in the city. Plans for railway sidings are on the table, and the city is hoping for settlements in the battery storage sector and phosphorus production. Northern Courier emphasizes that funding is needed for the development of the site in order to remove contaminated sites and create space for new companies.

The plans for the area are part of Güstrow's revised Integrated Urban Development Concept (ISEK), which was presented in 2023. This involved examining in detail how the districts are developing and where there is a need for action. Strengths and weaknesses were identified in order to improve the quality of life of Güstrow residents. And the whole thing is not a wish concert, but is based on concrete data that extends until December 31, 2021. The city of Güstrow has listed 91 projects in its catalog of measures that are intended to help change the face of the city and create promising prospects.

The challenges of the city center

However, there is still a lot of work to be done, especially in the city center of Güstrow. The picture is characterized by vacancies and difficulties in locating businesses. One of the challenges is the old post office, which is empty after the post office and bank withdrew. But there are bright spots here too! A sporting goods supplier has shown interest in opening a branch and further stores have been promoted. At the same time, however, it can be observed that four subsidized shops have already had to close or are only opening sporadically.

Whether with the Railport or through new ideas for the city center – Güstrow has the potential to develop further and offer its citizens new economic perspectives. With a good hand and strategic decisions, the city could soon be back on the fast track!