The plans foresee a more diverse city centre with places to work, do business, live and enjoy culture. Emphasis will be on climate change, urban production, urban mobility, safety, education and science. "Retail and work will remain important to the city centre. However, living, culture and education are becoming increasingly key to attracting people to the inner city after the shops close. We will continue to successfully expand public spaces and carefully develop the main urban areas," said Karen Pein, Senator for Urban Development and Housing.
1. Special retail experiences
The image of Hamburg's main business centre is set to improve, with existing offers becoming more innovative and experience-oriented thanks to digital technologies, while public spaces will become more attractive. The esports organisation MOUZ, which has moved into one of the Kontor buildings opposite the main railway station, is a prime example. Thanks to tournaments and a fan base, it is attracting new target groups to the city centre. "An attractive mixed-use development is a visible sign of forward-looking change that combines digitalisation and design," said Dietmar Hamm, Managing Director of Kontorhausverwaltung Bach.
2. Diverse and productive place of work and knowledge
By 2040, downtown Hamburg is set to become a hub of urban production, education and sharing knowledge and not simply a place of work. Key features include flexible office space for companies of all sizes, small factories and creative workshops that use digital production methods. It will also feature combined digital and analogue offers to boost science and innovation. Multifunctional meeting places like the "House of the Digital World" will combine work, education, culture and leisure. Educational courses and public spaces for all age groups will be available. The city centre will also feature private, international hotels, catering and a cruise management university. "A global young target group will stir up a new atmosphere and attract other interesting groups to the city centre," said Wolfgang Raike, Chair of the Hamburg Tourist Board.