Tailwind for the future concept for Offenbach city center
29.12.2025 – Offenbach's city center is receiving financial support from the state of Hesse. The Hessian Ministry of Economics has presented the city with a funding decision for a total of 198,000 euros for the years 2026 to 2028 to further advance key elements of its future city center concept. The funds come from the "Zukunft Innenstadt - Experimentieren, ausprobieren, einfach mal machen" funding program. Lord Mayor Dr. Felix Schwenke: "This is the fifth time that the state of Hesse has funded our future concept for Offenbach's city center. This shows that our ideas and projects are convincing. We want a city center where people enjoy living, working and coming together. The new state funds will go towards the Station Mitte, the SCAPE°, the digital recording of pedestrian frequency and other communication and design measures."
Mitte station - communication point for the construction phase
A communications office will be set up for the Station Mitte project. It will inform the public about the construction phase and the progress of the project. The reason for this is the forthcoming major conversion of the former Kaufhof building into the new city library: a new learning and meeting place is being created at the site with additional space for restaurants and businesses. The city library will be significantly enlarged and its range of digital media will also be expanded. The communications office ensures that construction progress, changes and new services are communicated in a clear and transparent manner.
SCAPE° - Acoustic concept to improve the quality of stay
For the exhibition space "SCAPE°. Weather - Climate - People" exhibition space. The aim is to reduce noise in the room and thus improve its overall usability. SCAPE° was reopened in Offenbach city center in May 2025 with a new permanent exhibition and is used for exhibitions, workshops and events. The offers are accessible to visitors free of charge. The acoustic concept increases the quality of stay and improves conditions for events and educational programs.
Offenbach Open - Pedestrian frequency measurement
As part of the "Offenbach Open" digital project, pedestrian frequency is being measured in the city center. Movement flows are recorded with the help of sensors. The data helps to better evaluate urban development and cultural measures. They are to be made publicly accessible and serve the city as a basis for data-based planning.
Pretty City - Comprehensive creative actions
"Pretty City" works across all projects and makes the city center visible, exciting and lively. Small activities such as color designs, light shows, special shop windows or mobile installations bring new perspectives and invite people to discover. The aim is to make the city more interesting, to try out ideas and to improve the quality of life for everyone. The result is a place where creativity, encounters and community can be felt.
The funding application was submitted jointly with the City Library, the Office of Cultural Management and the Stabsstelle Digitalization. For "Pretty City", cooperation with the building inspectorate is planned. Agentur Mitte is responsible for the overall coordination and management of funds.
"Zukunft Innenstadt - Experimentieren, ausprobieren, einfach mal machen" is funded by the Hessian Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas through the state program Zukunft Innenstadt.
