In bright sunshine, representatives of the city, the economy and the investor from Bavaria stand in front of the old spinning mill. Behind them the already finished part of the EMS shopping center. Today is the official groundbreaking for the new “EEC” (EMS shopping center).
Total costs: 31 million euros
Where a spinning mill was still in operation by the middle of the last century, finished textiles are now being sold in discounters and fresh food in a supermarket – everything in the historic building, the old spinning mill.
From the end of this year, new buildings are also to be built, including for another supermarket, office space and a Low-Budget-Hotel. The total cost of the project is around 31 million euros.
Area was broke for several years
After the area has been more or less broke since 2021, something is happening here again. Mayor Peter Lüttmann (independent) is happy about this at the groundbreaking ceremony: “This will further advance us as a shopping location.“
In spring, the City Council had given the green light for the project, after two years of preparation by the investor and the city administration.
Criticism from retail
The major construction project initially had criticism. Representatives of retail in particular did not feel sufficiently taken in the development process.
Against the background that inner cities are more reduced than enlarging due to the growing online trade than enlarge, there was a great concern that a large shopping center, which is owned, was a shame. “The young generation simply buys differently“, explains Susanne Schmidt, spokeswoman for downtown Rheine eV
In the meantime there have been many discussions between city, investors and the economy on site. “We hope that we can successfully trade with the EEC and that it does not harm the rest of the city center“, Said Schmidt.
Our sources:
- WDR reporter on site
- Mayor Peter Lüttmann, independent
- Downtown Rheine eV
- FIM group of companies
