Karlsruhe's Kaiserstrasse: New shops, empty shop windows, the future?

Karlsruhe's Kaiserstrasse: New shops, empty shop windows, the future?

Karlsruhe is increasingly faced with the problem of empty shop windows in the city center, especially on Kaiserstrasse. Despite various efforts by the city to optimize the use of the space, the quality of the catering remains inadequate. A growing number of kiosk shops and cell phone shops characterize the picture, which many citizens and observers find unsatisfactory. The “Edessa Kiosk” recently opened at Kaiserstrasse 191, which reignited the discussion about the attractiveness of the shopping street. However, the city recognizes the potential for improvement in the use of central areas and the quality of the real estate, which could make a decisive contribution to the competitiveness of the city center.

The problems are not only evident in the catering industry. Overall, the shop windows at the former Globetrotter and at Kaiserstrasse 82 are empty. The arrival of “Wok on fire / sushi on fire” is announced here, but the operators are waiting for the final approval from the building authorities. The economic situation of the franchise partner also means that the Backwerk branches at Kaiserstrasse 118 and Kreuzstrasse 9 are temporarily closed, although a reopening is planned. The mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup highlights that the developments required a better understanding of rental price trends in order to encourage positive changes.

Revitalization of vacancies

In recent months, the city of Karlsruhe has launched various initiatives to reduce vacancies in the city center. The number of empty ground floors between Europaplatz and Marktplatz has fallen from 13 to 10, which is small progress, but clearly shows that there is a need for action. In addition, seven properties, including Kaiserstrasse 100 and 98, are under renovation or new construction. This makes the residents happy: five new shops have already been confirmed for future use.

One of the new openings is the coffee shop “cinnamood”, which opened its doors on May 31st on the corner of Karlstrasse. A furniture store under the name “Interior Design” also opens at Kaiserstrasse 133. The Fair Fashion Store began operations on May 26th, and the “Impact Hub” at Kaiserstrasse 97 will begin operations on May 31st. This hub offers a diverse usage concept that includes workshops, events as well as open coworking and offices. Tenants can flexibly adapt the room layout, which significantly supports innovative use of the space.

With a new rental model, the city is pursuing the goal of improving the inner-city mix of uses and achieving district development goals. These projects are supported by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction. Dr. Mentrup emphasizes the importance of strengthening the cultural and creative industries as well as educational opportunities in the impressive Kaiserstrasse in order to make it a lively place for everyone again. Provides more information ka-news, while further details on the city's commitment to combating vacancies karlsruhe.de can be found.