Fancy a little break while shopping? This has been possible for a few days now on five new green seating islands in Aachen's city center. To be precise: in Holzgraben. The city center district around Dahmengraben and Holzgraben has been experiencing a spirit of optimism for months. This is due to the commitment of many local people. The city is also contributing to this. The interdisciplinary "task force" is working together with local stakeholders to improve the quality of life and attractiveness of the district.

The new high-quality planters with integrated seating elements are the latest and most visible signs that a lot is happening in this area of the city center. "With the green street furniture, we are increasing the quality of life in the area," explains Silvia Beretta from the city's Urban Renewal and Urban Design Department. "Something similar has already been achieved on Willy-Brandt-Platz. The seating there has been very well received and used by many people." City Manager Kai Hennes adds: "With elements like these, the city is creating new places where people can spend time without consuming and simply relax. At the same time, we are strengthening the Dahmengraben and Holzgraben retail locations and making the surrounding area more attractive." Ideally, this will lead to more people flocking to the area, revitalizing it and making use of the diverse retail and service offerings there.

Supported by "Sustainable inner cities and town centers"
The five 1.50 meter by 1.50 meter "seating and planting furniture" are made of high-quality and robust materials. They are made of powder-coated steel and the seat cushions are made of Douglas fir, a local wood. They also have an anti-graffiti coating and are the same shade of gray as the furniture on Willy-Brandt-Platz. Backrests ensure comfortable seating - for young and old alike. Five small fire maple trees (Acer ginnala) and an insect-friendly underplanting were placed in the planters. They bring visible green accents to the shopping mile. The entire measure is 70 percent financed by the "Sustainable inner cities and town centers" funding program of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The new street furniture within sight of their own stores naturally also pleases the local business people. Horst Recker, owner of the "SONNENTOR" store and a spokesperson for the interest group, says: "We in the district are delighted with the upgrading of the seating islands and the new greenery - another measure that not only enhances our street, but also the entire district and invites people to linger."

At the beginning of September, the traders held a street festival to show that a breath of fresh air was blowing through Dahmengraben and Holzgraben. It was only in March 2025 that the city council invited the traders and owners to an internal street conference to bring everyone together. One key result: the long-established and new traders on Dahmengraben and Holzgraben joined forces as an interest group to join forces and drive forward joint campaigns - and this has been happening with a great deal of commitment and passion ever since. Dahmengraben in particular is flourishing - including numerous new business openings, which were also made possible thanks to municipal funding programs. Everyone involved now hopes that the new green seating islands will help to ensure that the noticeable spirit of optimism and revitalization in the district can continue to grow.

Further information on the future process of the inner city tomorrow: www.innenstadt-morgen.de.