Hilden in view: IHK calls for more commercial space before elections!

Hilden in view: IHK calls for more commercial space before elections!

In the run-up to the local elections on September 14th, the Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) has formulated clear recommendations for action for Hilden's local politicians. These relate to various topics that affect the economic development of the city and the settlement of companies. The IHK emphasizes that despite the high demand for commercial space in Hilden, the available space is scarce. Particularly in the “Kreuz Hilden” commercial area and on the Nordring, there are only a few marketable properties available, which represents a challenge for the establishment of new companies. In order to address this problem, it is recommended to intensify brownfield recycling and increase space efficiency through stacked uses in existing commercial areas, whereby the planning requirements should be created at an early stage. This is intended to create space not only for existing companies, but also for inquiries from external companies.

A well-developed transport infrastructure is essential to promote economic development. A mobility concept that is due to be adopted in Hilden at the beginning of 2025 focuses on the efficient control of traffic flows and the promotion of environmentally friendly forms of transport. These include intelligent parking space management systems, the optimization of traffic light switching and digital traffic control systems. A central goal of the concept is to reduce private motorized transport in the city. These measures are intended not only to relieve traffic, but also to increase the quality of the location for business and industry.

Location quality and city center

Hilden enjoys a high level of centrality and a healthy mix of retail, restaurants and services. In particular, the low vacancy rate and the new settlements demonstrate the vitality of the retail location. The new city manager's initial activities are aimed at strengthening the weekly market and seasonal promotions, which have been positively received so far. The IHK has also offered its support in city management, which has been part of the city's economic development since April 2024. These measures are crucial to further increase the attractiveness of the location.

However, Hilden also faces challenges, such as the additional burden caused by the differentiation of the assessment rate for property tax B. A proposed accommodation tax could further limit the competitiveness of hotels and guesthouses. The IHK is therefore calling for the accommodation tax and increases in real taxes to be waived.

Commercial development and strategic approaches

In a broader context, new potential for commercial development is also being examined in other regions. The project “Business & City – Shaping the Future Together” deals with the interaction between commercial development and urban development, comparing good practice examples from European and American city regions. Such projects are crucial to support the dynamic development of large areas such as the Munich region, where qualitative further development of housing and infrastructure is required.

The exchange between actors and experts is intended to help generate concrete impulses and ideas for urban and regional development. Through a systematic analysis of innovative approaches to commercial development, a toolbox is developed that provides a variety of strategies for planning urban areas.

Overall, it shows that Hilden is on a promising path to remaining attractive as a commercial and industrial location. The IHK's recommendations and the planned urban development measures could be decisive steps in the right direction. As the city works toward the upcoming local elections, it remains to be seen how policymakers will respond to these challenges.