Hamburg announces 2040 development goals for city centre

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.

3. Urban culture after business hours
Spaces combining culture, science, education, catering and free services are to be created. After business offers will nurture evening and night-time culture. Creative professionals will be able to breathe new life into public spaces. Existing and new cultural venues will be enhanced  digitally and physically networked.

4. Making city centre more attractive living area
The plans also foresee new, affordable residential areas to meet demand. Mixed concepts of living, working and culture, as well as conversions, are also included.

5. Public spaces for living in city centre
Key squares and intersections will be upgraded. All the districts in the city centre will be made more resilient to climate change. Open, green spaces and areas on the waterfront will be made accessible. Offers for all generations will revitalise public spaces, which will be maintained by both public and private stakeholders.

6. Urban mobility of tomorrow 
Public transport is set to become even more attractive and  accessible. It will be needs-based and sustainable, with intelligent traffic bundling.

7. Facing up to climate change
Downtown Hamburg will serve as a model for preventing inner-city heat. Rain and nature will  be given space, and rainwater will be used. Emphasis is on circular construction and a resource-efficient energy supply. Attractive, sustainable architectural and technical development will factor in climate change.

8. Nurturing Hamburg's architectural attractiveness

The historical aspects of central urban spaces will accounted for during further development  New types of buildings should enable different uses to coexist.

9. Safe and inviting
A mix of visible contact persons, intelligent urban design and maintenance should increase safety in the city centre. This would make major events more attractive and safer and establish downtown Hamburg as a place for experiencing democracy. This will also open up more digital opportunities.