Inquiry to OB candidate Daniel Flemm: What direction does the administration of Solinger City head towards?
Revitalizing Solingen's City Centre: Mayoral Candidate Daniel Flemm's Vision
Mayoral candidate Daniel Flemm has presented a plan to breathe new life into Solingen's city centre, focusing on key areas such as the Fronhof and the main street. While Flemm's specific detailed plans for these areas are not extensively documented, his general approach leans towards urban renewal and improved functionality for residents and visitors.
Flemm suggests making better use of the Fronhof by implementing regular event formats to increase foot traffic. He envisions this space as a hub for cultural or community events, creating a more vibrant and inviting atmosphere. To achieve this, Flemm proposes the use of mobile bollards for events on the main street, which can be acquired through municipal means.
Along the main street, Flemm aims to improve commercial viability by supporting local businesses. He proposes targeted funding programs such as the courtyard and facade program to help businesses renovate and attract more customers. However, the vacancy in the lower part of the main street is a concern, with a quick transformation not possible due to a purpose bond for the Entenpfuhl until 2035.
Flemm also sees potential in Neumarkt for improving stay quality and visually unifying the downtown area. He proposes more gastronomy and leisure activities in the Clemens galleries to attract more people and stimulate economic activity.
In terms of infrastructure, Flemm advocates for uniform design guidelines for the buildings in the city centre, promoting a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing urban environment. He also believes that the lower area of the main street between Entenpfuhl and Breidbacher Tor, which is currently a pedestrian zone, should be reopened to vehicles to facilitate trade.
Flemm emphasizes the connection between security and quality of stay. He advocates for a visible municipal public order service to penalize minor offences such as littering or vandalism. The guard post of the municipal public order service (KOD) in the Kersting House is currently not occupied, and Flemm suggests re-staffing this post to enhance security in the city centre.
The Fronhof, centrally located in Solingen's city centre, is often deserted despite its attractive architectural design. Flemm does not see large renovations as a priority for the Fronhof, but advocates for smaller improvements such as increased accessibility, lighting, and seating.
HIH Invest Real Estate’s extension of the town hall lease until 2050 with plans for LED lighting conversion and photovoltaic system installation points to ongoing municipal efforts for modernization and sustainability in Solingen’s central infrastructure. These efforts could complement Flemm’s revitalization ideas, making the city centre a more attractive and environmentally friendly urban environment.
It is important to note that the Fronhof was linked to a terror attack that occurred during the "Festival of Diversity" in summer 2024, resulting in three deaths and several injuries. This event underscores the importance of Flemm's proposals for enhanced security and a visible municipal public order service.
For exact details on Flemm's specific architectural, social, or economic strategies for the Fronhof and Main Street, consulting campaign materials or official statements by Flemm would be necessary.
[1] HIH Invest Real Estate’s extension of the town hall lease until 2050 with plans for LED lighting conversion and photovoltaic system installation points to ongoing municipal efforts for modernization and sustainability in Solingen’s central infrastructure.
[2] Other broader redevelopment projects in Germany’s city centres involve brownfield redevelopment, focusing on flexible unit sizes from 150 sqm upwards to encourage mixed-use development, which could be relevant to Solingen’s context and Flemm's goals for urban regeneration.
- The proposed implementation of LED lighting and photovoltaic systems by HIH Invest Real Estate, as part of their extension of the town hall lease until 2050, aligns with Daniel Flemm's vision for revitalizing Solingen's city centre, enhancing its attractiveness and pushing for a more environmentally friendly urban environment.
- As Daniel Flemm plans to focus on urban renewal and enhanced functionality for residents and visitors in Solingen's city centre, broader redevelopment strategies in Germany's city centres, such as brownfield redevelopment with flexible unit sizes to encourage mixed-use development, could potentially be relevant and provide valuable insights for achieving his goals.
