Dispute over commercial space in Solingen: SPD vs. FDP on a collision course!

Dispute over commercial space in Solingen: SPD vs. FDP on a collision course!

There is currently a controversial debate in Solingen about the designation of new commercial space. Josef Neumann, SPD mayoral candidate, has noted that companies that need new space are not represented in large numbers in the city. In order to achieve a better understanding of the needs of local companies, he visited around a dozen companies. The tenor of his discussions shows that, in addition to the availability of space, there are also other important factors that companies employ, such as the shortage of skilled workers, rising energy prices and childcare places.

At the most recent council meeting there was a dispute over land policy. Mayor Tim Kurzbach (SPD) and a majority of Social Democrats, Greens and Left/The Party decided not to designate any new commercial areas for the time being. Atmospheric areas are mainly discussed in the areas of Schrodtberg (Kohlfurth), Fürkeltrath II and Piepersberg-West (Gräfrath), which cover a total of around 20 hectares.

Controversies surrounding land policy

Neumann suggests relying on commercial land that has already become available and only developing new arable land under certain conditions. However, in order to avoid public debates, he remains cautious about specific projects. The FDP council parliamentary group leader Nina Brattig, on the other hand, criticizes the council decision as a “serious mistake” and calls for its withdrawal so that no more new areas can be sealed from 2030. She warns that the use of existing brownfield sites is not enough to meet growing demand.

The land policy, which is part of the city's sustainability strategy, was unanimously approved in 2018. Nevertheless, Brattig emphasizes that the current situation has changed and that there is a noticeable lack of space in both corporate and residential construction. In this context, she calls for the building permit process to be accelerated.

Skilled labor shortage as a crucial issue

An additional aspect that accompanies the discussion about commercial space is the shortage of skilled workers. According to a study by the Ifo Institute, this is already having a significant impact on companies in Germany. The availability of qualified personnel is crucial for the profitability and growth of many companies. ifo describes how this shortage presents companies with major challenges and may be exacerbated by stagnating space development.

Overall, the situation in Solingen is complex. The various actors - both the town hall coalition and the opposition - have to find a balance between the needs of companies, the demands of sustainability and the real conditions on the housing market.