A New Vision for Shopping in Hoyerswerda

Hoyerswerda is at a pivotal moment, reassessing its retail landscape to ensure enduring growth and cater to the evolving needs of its residents. A recently commissioned retail and center concept, presented to the public at Visavis Hall, outlines a strategic plan to optimize shopping facilities across the city, from grocery stores to electronics retailers. The plan aims to incorporate the desires of the community, addressing concerns and fostering a vibrant retail environment.

Addressing Food Retail density

the retail concept highlights an captivating dynamic in HoyerswerdaS food retail sector. According to the study, the city boasts a food discounter density index of approximately 142% compared to the national average.This is typical for a central hub like Hoyerswerda. Moreover, large-scale markets such as Globe and Kaufland exhibit an even higher index of 353%, indicating their regional meaning in serving not only Hoyerswerda but also surrounding communities. This concentration of large retailers on the outskirts necessitates a careful approach to ensure the vitality of smaller,local businesses within the city center.

New Boldnesses heide: A Calculated Expansion

The proposed growth of New Boldnesses Heide is a key element of the retail concept.The plan envisions large-scale retail in this area,strategically designed to minimize any negative impact on existing retail locations in the old town,the Lausitz Center,and the Treff-8-Center.The concept emphasizes accessibility, noting that approximately 78% of Hoyerswerda residents can reach a food market on foot within minutes, a crucial factor for the city’s aging population.However, some areas on the edges of the new town face challenges, notably with the impending closure of the Penny market at Cottbuser tor in mid-2027.

to address this, a new retail center is planned for the IX residential complex, including the greenwaldring in WK X. new Boldnesses Heide is slated to include a full-range supermarket (such as Rewe or Edeka), a discounter, and a pet supply store. Interestingly, the originally planned drugstore has been removed from the plans to protect existing drugstore locations in the old town and the Lausitz Center. With a projected population of 250 residents, the shopping center in New boldnesses Heide aims to serve both the local community and residents of surrounding areas.

Treff-8-Center: A Vital Local Anchor

The Treff-8-Center, anchored by its modernized Netto supermarket, is recognized as an essential local supplier in the retail concept. The report anticipates potential impacts on this center due to the upcoming closure of the Penny market,particularly in relation to the Lausitzer Seenland Clinic. To enhance its appeal,the concept recommends modernizing the treff-8-Center,responding to feedback from a 2024 citizen survey indicating a desire for a better-maintained property.The smaller shops within the center are popular among customers, highlighting the importance of preserving this local shopping destination.

Community Concerns and Future Considerations

The presentation of the retail concept sparked a lively discussion among residents. One resident of WK IX expressed concern that the closure of the Penny market could lead to a decline in the Neustadt area, potentially creating a new eyesore. However, they also expressed hope that the new shopping center could revitalize the outskirts. Dorit baumeister, a City Councilor in Hoyerswerda, raised concerns about the potential weakening of retail locations in the city center due to the strengthening of the outskirts with the New Boldnesses Heide development. She emphasized the importance of qualifying and supporting existing centers.

Mayor Mirko Pink believes that the Lausitz region is experiencing economic growth, and Hoyerswerda must proactively position itself to participate in this growth. The city council is scheduled to vote on the retail and center concept in June,marking a crucial step in shaping the future of retail in Hoyerswerda.