Research projects

Empty shop windows and deserted high streets—COVID-19 posed major challenges for many urban centres. North Rhine-Westphalia responded early with the “Sofortprogramm zur Stärkung unserer Innenstädte und Zentren” and now offers extensive funding through the “Zukunftsfähige Innenstädte und Ortszentren” programme. But which measures have actually been implemented? This project takes a close look at these funding schemes.

We systematically record all measures applied for and realised by municipalities to show how many—and what kinds—of activities were made possible. This reveals which instruments are most effective in practice. In parallel, we identify and present compelling examples of forward-looking centre development across NRW, enriched through additional desk research and photo documentation. A special focus is the funding component “Verfügungsfonds Anmietung”. In cooperation with the Working Group of Historic Town and Village Centres in NRW, we conduct case studies, interviews, and on-site analyses to examine how this instrument helps bring new uses into central locations and tackle vacancy. The project thus delivers actionable insights for the successful, future-oriented development of town and city centres.