Textile giant Zara in Regensburg will close at the end of 2022: Is Regensburg's old town deserted?

The textile shop Zara in the old town of Regensburg will close at the end of 2022.

The fear of vacancy is growing.

Can you find an attractive new tenant?

Regensburg – Is the old town of Regensburg deserted?

The vacancy rate there will definitely increase.

As has now become known, the textile giant Zara will close its doors on Neupfarrplatz at the end of 2022.

He is moving to a new location in the arcades, reports

.

"This is a catastrophe for the old town," says Ingo Saar, Managing Director of Faszination Altstadt. 

There was hope in the last few months.

Eight percent of all old town shops were still empty in the summer.

Subsequent tenants have now been found for many of them, especially gastronomic establishments.

Galeria Kaufhof was also able to stay in the center of Regensburg – despite the group's massive financial problems.

It is now to be rebuilt.

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Regensburg: Zara is the biggest customer magnet

Hundreds of customers frolic at Zara every day.

Numerous other businesses benefited from this, as did many restaurants in the vicinity.

Zara Germany does not want to comment on the decision at the moment.

The spokeswoman Celin Lange-Hückstädt asks for your understanding.

Regensburg: Rental strategy favors large companies

Andreas Insinger, owner of the former Zara location, knows more.

He has learned from the group that the rent in the arcades will be lower than at the old location.

Ingo Saar knows about such strategies: "A center management sets lower prices for a certain tenant than for others if it absolutely wants him," he explains to

.

To fill the gap left by Zara, Insinger would like to see a well-known textile company again.

On the other hand, he cannot imagine a low-cost provider in his premises: "The next tenant has to fit the space."

Regensburg: Hoping for solvent tenants

Let's hope someone will be found soon.

Opposite the previous Zara location, Pohland’s former business premises have been empty since 2018.

Vinzenz Murr has also closed down Pfauengasse just around the corner.

And, as mentioned, Galeria Kaufhof.

Their boss Guido Herrmann says about Zara's departure: "Something new and interesting is sure to come, because the areas are attractive."

Regensburg: Is the transport policy to blame for the vacancy?

Armin Gebhard, chairman of the Regensburg merchants, does not believe that.

He sees a “further setback for the old town”.

In his opinion, the traffic policy of the city of Regensburg is also to blame for the current vacancy.

It makes the city increasingly unattractive for retailers.

Gebhard is particularly upset about the traffic calming measures on Domplatz, Pfluggasse and Hunnenplatz.

He is also critical of the one-way regulation in Kolpingstrasse and Thundorferstrasse.

He doesn't want traffic to be further restricted.

The city must offer alternatives, he explains to

.

In addition, the planned parking garage at the old ice rink should be built as soon as possible.

Regensburg: 3.8 million euros from EU funding

The old town caretaker Stephan Bergmann spreads some hope: Despite the corona pandemic, the demand for services, trade, crafts and gastronomy is good.

The municipality will receive 3.8 million euros from an EU subsidy pot.

This should improve the situation in the city center.

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