Today, we are working together to shape the downtown of tomorrow. To this end, we are bringing together business owners, property owners, and other committed stakeholders to jointly develop solutions to current challenges and strengthen the downtown in a sustainable way.
We work with existing interest groups and help establish new associations of business owners. At the same time, we serve as a liaison between business owners and the government to find solutions that are as cooperative as possible.
In addition, we regularly host a get-together for the retail, restaurant, and skilled trades sectors in collaboration with Märkte und Aktionskreis City e. V. (MAC), among others. The event focuses on topics such as:
- Upcoming Events in Downtown
- Funding Opportunities for Your Own Ideas
- Digital Transformation in Retail
- Social Media Training
- and the questions and challenges that you, as participants, bring with you
We'd love to invite you to our next get-together. Please send us your contact information at citymanagement@mail.aachen.de.
Downtown Task Force – Strengthening Focus Areas
The City of Aachen launched the Downtown Task Force in 2022. As an interdisciplinary working and implementation group, it aims to quickly implement targeted improvements in selected neighborhoods and streets, enhance the quality of life through temporary initiatives, and reduce stress—in close collaboration with local stakeholders.
Following the focus areas of Großkölnstraße (2022–2023) and Adalbertstraße (2023–2024), the task force is currently active in the Holz- and Dahmengraben areas. Numerous measures have already been implemented there to enhance the appeal of public spaces. In the future, additional focus areas will be specifically targeted for improvement in order to revitalize the downtown area in a sustainable manner and further enhance its appeal. City management coordinates the collaboration among the relevant departments and oversees the implementation of the measures.
Do you live in the Holz- and Dahmengraben area? Then connect with us and the local stakeholders. Together, we’ll help improve your street.
Holz and Dahmen Ditch (since 2025)
As the current focus area for the Downtown Task Force, Holz- and Dahmengraben are at the center of numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening the area. Close collaboration among business owners, property owners, and other stakeholders has led to the formation of a new community partnership that is working together to drive the street’s development forward. A variety of activities, events, and cultural offerings are creating new reasons to visit and enhancing the quality of the experience for visitors. These include, among other things, support for the temporary use of the former “Lust for Life” as a stepping stone toward the “Haus der Neugier,” art and cultural projects, hands-on activities, and the new community group’s first joint street festival. Banners and lanterns that foster a sense of identity—initiated by the community partnership—are also adding new touches to the public space. The task force has significantly reduced the vacancy rate, installed new street furniture, continues to support the process, and is working with local stakeholders to develop new ideas for the sustainable revitalization of Holzgraben and Dahmengraben.
Adalbertstraße (2023–2024)
As the second focus area for the Downtown Task Force, Adalbertstraße—Aachen’s main shopping street—was the center of numerous measures aimed at strengthening the area. Particular emphasis was placed on close collaboration between business owners, property owners, and other stakeholders, which led to the formation of the “Initiative Starke Adalbertstraße” (ISA). Together, they implemented numerous measures that improved the street’s appearance, created new reasons for visitors to come, and enhanced the area’s appeal. These included, among other things, the “AdalbertOase” at Willy-Brandt-Platz, additional greenery—such as mobile trees—smart benches, as well as events and activities that attracted more visitors. Regular networking meetings fostered collaboration among participants and laid the groundwork for continuing to drive the development of Adalbertstraße together in the future.
Großkölnstraße (2022–2023)
As the first priority area for the Downtown Task Force, Großkölnstraße—a key thoroughfare connecting the eastern downtown area to the Old Town—was specifically targeted for further development. Numerous measures improved the quality of the public space, reduced vacancy rates, and made the street more attractive. These included, among other things, additional greenery, the creation of new gathering areas, street art projects, cultural events, and the establishment of new businesses in previously vacant storefronts. A mobile play container also created a new attraction for families and children right in the heart of downtown. Regular networking meetings further strengthened collaboration among local stakeholders and laid the groundwork for additional joint projects.