Hanauer Stadthof: Visitor numbers stable - conversion plans take shape!

Hanauer Stadthof: Visitor numbers stable - conversion plans take shape!

Hanau, Deutschland - The opening of the new city courtyard in Hanau in March this year caused a sensation and quickly turned to an exciting attraction for the region. On a site that the city acquired for 25 million euros, there are already impressive plans for comprehensive renovation worth 40 million euros. Since the opening, around 178,000 visitors have used the city courtyard, with the current visitor frequency stable between 1,200 and 2,000 people per day, such as GNTZ.de reports.

Visitors appreciate the pleasant atmosphere of the city courtyard, but criticize the range of shops that is perceived as mediocre. In order to become more attractive here, more flexible pop-up stores should find their way around in the future. Managing Director Daniel Freimuth from Hanau Marketing GmbH emphasizes that regular change of shop is planned to take the dynamics into account. This is also seen as a measure to further establish the Stadthof as a social meeting point, such as [op-online.de] (https://www.op-online.de/region/hanau/erste-belanz-nach-drei-bieber- und-haendler-im-imthof-hanau-93784150.html) notes.

The future of the city courtyard

The city of Hanau is already thinking about the next steps. In this way, offers for entertainment and families, combined with trade use, could be realized in the basement. The Stadthof Advisory Board has discussed various possible uses, and two large retail companies will soon be talking about a possible commitment. A decision could be made in autumn, but with a final opening not before 2027.

A special highlight is pending with the upcoming exhibition "Body Worlds", which will be shown on the first floor for four months from September 26th. The number of visitors could increase here up to 100,000. In addition, the first floor is used in the long term as a "house of health" and for medical offers. The first exhibition in the new context is to be opened in February 2026.

the change in retail in view

This change in retail is no coincidence. Nationwide have to struggle with the challenges that bring pandemic and changed consumption behavior. Fewer and fewer young people appreciate city centers as a shop - a decline from 75 % to 40 % in recent years, according to Statista. [1]

The Corona crisis has tightened the situation and many branches are facing the end. The city center of Hanau is not spared: retail wakes up and searches for new paths to increase the attractiveness. Developments in the Stadthof are a step in this direction, even if the challenges are still great.

The planned public roof garden with a gastronomic offer, which is to be accommodated on the top floor of the city courtyard, offers an additional incentive. Not only a place to linger should be created here, but also the quality of stay in the city center is to be improved.

The experts from statista.com emphasize that consumers are increasingly striving for a colorful mix of purchasing, leisure and gastronomy. It is therefore crucial for Hanau to lace up an attractive overall package in order to attract both locals and visitors.