Test space fund: support program for new retail establishments in the city centre
04.07.2024
On June 19, the Offenbach City Council approved a funding program for the establishment of innovative store concepts in Offenbach's city centre as part of the Testraum-Allee future project. At the city council meeting this Thursday, the city parliament will decide on the implementation of the funding program.
The aim is to permanently establish four stores by the end of 2025. The funding program is intended to support this with a comprehensive package of services: A subsidy for rent and purchases, support with communication and public relations work plus consulting services from architects, the city and the Offenbach offensiv association, which is close to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Lord Mayor Dr. Felix Schwenke: "The city council aims to promote new business models in the city center. In this way, we want to motivate entrepreneurs to try out their store concepts in our city center in difficult times for the retail sector. The city's support provides concrete help in getting started and reduces the financial risk for business owners."
The test room fund: start-up financing for new trade
Germany's city centers are facing major changes. The retail sector, previously the leading industry in city centers, is undergoing extensive structural change. The effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the growth of online shopping have exacerbated this. The city of Offenbach has therefore been implementing the "Testraum-Allee" project since 2023. "The aim is to counter the threat of vacancies and secure a reliable basis for the retail sector. The 'Testraum-Allee' is an invitation to potential tenants and retailers to take a look at spaces and their potential from a different angle. We support an introductory phase at the beginning because you can then test something with significantly less risk. The OFTEN and the Doki Doki Concept Store have shown that such tests are worthwhile," says Lord Mayor Schwenke.
The city of Offenbach is now refining its funding program with the "Test Space Fund". This is intended to support new developments in the retail, gastronomy or consumer-related service sectors in particular. Subject to approval by the city council, the "Test Space Fund" funding program is intended to provide financial and advisory support: This includes a financial grant for rental costs and equipment as well as specialist advisory support from a project architect. In addition, a communication package is provided to support the activities of the entrepreneurs with multimedia. The total financial contribution amounts to 11,000 euros per grant. The funding covers the core area of the city center. The program was developed together with the Offenbach offensiv e.V. project management agency. It thus offers the expertise of additional consulting services with regard to start-up consulting by the association and inner-city consulting and office communication by Agentur Mitte (Office for Economic Development and Real Estate). It is important to the Lord Mayor: "Retail is still a reason to visit the city center. That is why we are putting our money where our mouth is and supporting new ideas." Managing Director of the Offenbach offensiv association, Frank Achenbach, adds: "In addition to major projects such as Station Mitte, we also need new, innovative and high-quality retail and gastronomy concepts in the city center. The funding program therefore comes at the right time and offers support so that operators can arrive in Offenbach."
The funding program is set to start in the third quarter of 2024 and the start date will be announced via the City of Offenbach's website and accompanying public relations work.
About the test room avenue
The "Testraum-Allee" is a project of the future concept for the city center and aims to sustainably upgrade and expand the retail trade. The project focuses on the gradual conversion of the vacant space there and the long-term establishment of high-quality retail, gastronomy and service offerings in Offenbach's city center that are economically viable in the long term. The future project Testraum-Allee aims to establish four new, high-quality and economically viable store concepts in vacant or threatened (ground floor) store spaces in the city center core by the end of 2025. The aim is to increase the attractiveness of Offenbach's city center and provide impetus for a vibrant and lively city center that will benefit businesses, owners and citizens alike.
More information on the future concept for the city center
The future concept for the city center developed in 2020 with the people of Offenbach and the planners from Hamburg-based urbanista now comprises 16 projects. These are far-reaching offers to strengthen the heart of the city as a place for new ideas, experiences and exchange between citizens. "Anyone who walks through the city with open eyes can see how the city center is suffering from this shrinking of the retail sector," says Mayor Schwenke. "Our aim is to keep as much retail as possible, which is why we need to support the remaining retailers. But it is also absolutely clear that things will never be the same again. We are therefore fighting with all our might to mitigate the impact on the city center and to contribute to a new city center with new projects. The transformation process has begun, the first projects are being implemented and further impetus will follow."
