Future city centre: sustainable offers as the key to revitalisation : guidelines for action / publisher: German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) ; authors: Kathrin Anger, Ulrike Knörzer (adelphi consult GmbH, Berlin), Michaela Roelfes, Franziska Stelzer (Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy gGmbH, Wuppertal)

Abstract

City centres as places of commercial consumption are facing new challenges, not only due to the growing impact of online retail. At the same time, urgently needed approaches to sustainable lifestyles remain confined to niches. This guide demonstrates how city centres can be revitalised while simultaneously becoming vibrant and future-proof spaces for sustainable consumption. Using practical examples from pilot cities, the guide aims to encourage actors from civil society, municipal administrations, and economic development agencies to develop new ideas for transforming city centres. Insights from both research and practice on success factors and challenges support this process and inspire local stakeholders to dare to try new approaches.