Case Studies  The Karolinenviertel Case in Hamburg - St. Pauli

Classification in the city-wide context

The area is in close proximity to two major development projects with precedent significance for the city: The enlargement of the Hamburg exhibition-centre as well as the redevelopment of the meat market (former slaughterhouse). Both facilities are of city-wide significance. While Europe-wide such facilities are being transferred to the city limits, in Hamburg these inner city locations have been politically stipulated in the year 2002. These facilities will permanently remain at its locations and can be further developed. Therefore, the integrated development-concept for the Karolinenviertel, especially in the outer areas has to be continued and to be evaluated with respect to the traffic infrastructure. The development of both locations has an effect on the regeneration concept of the Karolinenviertel. Especially problems of several back-yard-situations are striking with which the redevelopment area is confronted in the outer limits. Also the development of traffic in the surroundings (consumer and supplier traffic) has effects on the Karolinenviertel.

A further development impulse can be expected by the stipulation of the district St. Pauli as ERDF-promotion area. With ERDF-funds measures for promotion regarding the local economy of St. Pauli will be supported between 2000 and 2006. This programme has the following rough objectives: ‘Promotion of economical activities to create new jobs and safeguard existing jobs.’ This includes promotion of start-ups, innovative activities, activation of commercial spaces as well as promotion of tourism, culture and entertainment economy.

The vision defined by the senate of the City of Hamburg in the beginning of the 21st century of ‘Metropolis Hamburg - Growing city’ shall stop sub-urbanisation processes, respectively turn them back, because Hamburg continuously loses population to the suburbs since years. The migration to suburbs and surrounding cities has led to an annual decrease in population of almost 10,000 persons in the 1990s. Especially families move to the surroundings. The majority of these migrants is looking for apartment units, respectively for self-owned houses in Hamburg at the first place but does not find respective offers regarding their wishes and financial abilities. Buying real estate is the most important reason for moving to the suburbs, although even half of the migrants move to rented homes.

A central target of the strategy for the ‘Growing city’ is the increase of inhabitants in Hamburg. With a target orientated policy the prognostic trend shall be turned back and Hamburg shall become a growing region in Germany again. Successful examples of other major cities like Copenhagen show that this objective can be achieved. But also the latest increase in the number of inhabitants of approx. 25,000 in two years contrary to former prognoses – especially the influx of young people – shows that Hamburg has potentials which have to be used and consequently extended. The objective is to reduce significantly the migration to the surroundings, respectively to turn around the development. The future scenario is that people should not only work in Hamburg but also live in the city. Therefore, predominantly possibilities have to be created for young middle-class families with children to find attractive and affordable housing in Hamburg. Furthermore, excellent and diverse educational offers have to be safeguarded, respectively created.

The significance of the ‘Growing City’ vision for the Karolinenviertel has not been analysed so far. It is a fact that many families rather leave the district than move in. However in this connection, an inner city area like the Karolinenviertel is prospectively a suitable location for keeping households in the city respectively, tempting them into the city. Prerequisites for this are besides others the creation of attractive housing and the solution of existing problems and conflicts. But also entire city offers have to be extended and improved so that Hamburg remains an attractive living location, respectively becomes one again.

The ongoing development of the regeneration concept for the Karolinenviertel follows the objective of the Senate to develop Hamburg into a growing, pulsing major city with international flair by a development boost. Over-average growth of the economy and employment and an increase of inhabitants, due to improved infrastructure, increase of availability of housing and commercial areas and promotion of families, shall increase the international attractiveness and recognition of Hamburg (i.e. exhibitions, major events). With this strategy Hamburg hopes to increase the living and working qualities so that especially 30 to 40 years old inhabitants, meaning mainly young families with middle or high income, remain or move back to Hamburg.

The number of people moving back to Hamburg is on the rise. For Germany in total a decreasing population with some urban areas of growth is being predicted. According to this scenario Hamburg would shrink from now 1.72 millions to 1.66 millions inhabitants in 2015.

Growing esteem as well as increased income and employment possibilities in the city are necessary premises for the Senate’s striving for the vision of a ‘Growing City’. Neighbourhood development areas like for example the Karolinenviertel will and have to make its own small contributions to this process.

2.5. Losers and winners of the regeneration process    III. Protagonists and partners of urban regeneration