Inner city development

An integrated urban development concept is a strategic, informal planning tool that provides a framework for urban development - in this case, the city centre. It takes a holistic view of various topics, such as retail, hospitality, public spaces, housing, mobility and climate protection. It sets out objectives and areas for action for the city centre, from which measures to strengthen the city centre are developed.

The ISEK incorporates both the results of public consultations on previous concepts and the findings from an online consultation and a city walk carried out in spring 2024.

The ISEK was adopted by the City Council on 17 September 2025 as an urban development concept in accordance with Section 1(6)(11) of the German Building Code (BauGB). It thus forms the basis for the further development of the city centre and contains not only objectives but also measures. It is also a prerequisite for applying for urban development funding.

The ISEK comprises several measures. These measures are primarily aimed at enhancing public spaces. The aim is to make the town centre an attractive place to spend time. To this end, the proportion of green space is to be increased and some areas are to be de-sealed. In addition, benches and play equipment are to be installed.

In order for the measures to be implemented, specific plans must be drawn up for them. It is only during the detailed planning stage that details such as where trees will be planted and where flowerbeds will be laid out are determined. Questions regarding the specific allocation of road space and the positioning of benches, cycle racks, play equipment, etc. will also only be finalised during the course of the more detailed planning.

Initial designs are already available for some of the measures, whilst for others there are merely ideas and objectives for a redesign. Specialist planning firms have been or will be commissioned to plan the measures. The measures will be further developed in collaboration with politicians and through various forms of public participation.

The so-called initial application for urban development funding was submitted in spring 2026. In July 2026, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia's urban development funding programme was published, and the town of Bocholt was included in it. Approval is still pending.

The redevelopment of Ravardistraße is to take place in two phases. The first phase covers the eastern section of Ravardistraße; the second phase covers Ravardistraße to the west of the Wiethold Stiege.

An initial concept for the redevelopment of Ravardistraße has already been drawn up. The basic idea is to bring together motor vehicle traffic, public transport and cycle traffic within the context of a traffic-calmed commercial area (20 km/h zone) and to provide a clearly structured and easily recognisable route. Motor vehicle traffic will be significantly reduced in future by closing the access road to the underground car park at Europaplatz. Cyclists will in future use the carriageway. The traffic area will be reduced to the minimum necessary, so that the carriageway will have a width of 4.50-5.50 metres in future.

By combining motor vehicle traffic and public transport with cycle traffic, the pavements can be widened. On the northern side, for example, trees are planned, with space provided between them for cycle racks and benches. On the southern side, in addition to sufficient space for pedestrians, retail outlets and, where appropriate, catering establishments, an area for accessible parking spaces and delivery zones is to be created.

Parking requirements are adequately met. Accordingly, only areas for delivery traffic and disabled parking spaces are planned on the southern side between Westend and the central square. The space gained by removing car parking spaces represents significant added value for a vibrant city centre.

The focus in the centre of Ravardistraße is on creating as much public space as possible, combined with increased space in the area around the restaurants located to the north. In the area around the light column, which is to be retained, the quality of the public space will be enhanced by the installation of a large bench, serving as a social and consumption-free meeting point. The concept also envisages integrating the solitary tree into the public space. Areas for outdoor dining are provided in front of each restaurant.

In the area of the City Hotel, the existing trees will be retained and the ground stabilised using root bridges. This will also create an area that can be used for attractive outdoor dining.

The Committee for Planning, Construction and Transport approved the plans at its meeting on 7 July 2026.

Planning status: July 2026

An initial concept for the redesign of Gasthausplatz has already been drawn up. Among other things, this envisages retaining the plane trees that frame the square. The planting on Gasthausplatz will be supplemented by roofed plane trees, beneath which an area with a beer garden atmosphere is planned. Table and bench combinations are to be installed there on a water-bound paving surface. In both areas, catering pavilions may be set up which are not assigned to any specific catering outlet and can be used without any obligation to purchase food or drink. These areas could potentially be supplemented by catering pavilions.

The beer garden-style areas are surrounded by a square paved with concrete blocks. Ground sockets for parasols will be recessed into the paving, which can be used by the catering establishments located on the square for their outdoor dining areas. This is intended to create a more uniform appearance for the outdoor dining areas and contribute to an improved streetscape.

A fountain area is planned in the centre of the square, which will provide a play area for children whilst also contributing to evaporation and thus helping to cool the square. In front of the fountain area, a long bench for sitting and reclining will be installed, providing additional seating and enhancing the quality of the space.

The variety of recreational options is intended to help ensure that the square is bustling at different times of the day and year. An unfurnished section of the square will allow smaller events to continue to take place there.

To enhance the quality of the space, the perimeter of Gasthausplatz will be closed to general motor vehicle traffic using bollards.

The main aim is to enhance the public space and the townscape, amongst other things by improving the green spaces through the planting of trees. This is intended, on the one hand, to establish Gasthausplatz as a permanent hub for dining and, on the other hand, to provide opportunities for leisure activities. Gasthausplatz is also set to become a meeting place.

The Committee for Planning, Construction and Transport approved the plans at its meeting on 7 July 2026.

Planning status: June 2026

The town of Bocholt and Stadtsparkasse Bocholt are planning a joint development of Manes-Schlatt-Platz and the plots at Markt 8 and Neustraße 2-4. In addition to the town museum and the town archives, the site is to feature space for retail, catering and services. The upper floors will house flats.

As part of the building works, the public space is also to be redesigned. On St.-Georg-Platz, the aim is to create spaces for people to linger and enhance the area's appeal, taking into account the adjacent street spaces. Königstraße will be closed to car traffic as far as possible, and the pedestrian and cycle route connecting the pedestrian zone on Neustraße to the Town Hall on Berliner Platz will be made more attractive.

The central aim is to enhance the public space. In doing so, the central city-centre location and the historic town layout will be taken into account. Traffic areas will be reduced to the minimum necessary. Along the extension of Königstraße, the carriageway will be 3.5 m wide. As Königstraße will be closed to general car traffic, there will be no regular through traffic. Königstraße will remain open to cyclists in both directions. The pavements will be at least 2.4 m wide.

St.-Georg-Platz will also be narrowed to a minimum width of 4.0 m. Car traffic will only be permitted in the north-south direction. Owing to the importance of the north-south cycle route, cyclists will be permitted to travel in both directions. The cycle route will be re-routed. This will allow both the pavements and the green verges to be widened. Along the new buildings on St.-Georg-Platz, a pavement runs towards the south portal of St. Georg's Church, reflecting the historic town layout.

The car park to the west of the Sparkasse building will be unpaved and a small green space is to be created. The existing trees will be preserved as far as possible and their growing conditions improved. In addition, plans are in place to plant perennials.

An upgrade is intended to improve the connection between the bus station and the town centre, so that even those unfamiliar with the area can be guided from the bus station to the town hall and vice versa. To this end, the development is to be carried out in accordance with town centre standards. Wherever possible, a flight of steps to bridge the difference in height should be avoided; instead, a sufficiently wide ramp should ensure accessibility.

The existing trees are to be preserved as far as possible. Where individual trees cannot be preserved, replacement trees are to be planted. Furthermore, additional seating is to be provided.

To address the vacant spaces in the southern part of the project in the short term, it is conceivable to divide the project into two construction phases, one north and one south of Crispinusstraße.

The plan is to relocate the toilet block, which is in dire need of refurbishment, to Liebfrauenplatz, thereby improving the visual connection - and consequently the link - between Langenbergstraße and Liebfrauenplatz and the pedestrian zone in Osterstraße, whilst creating a suitable entrance to the pedestrian zone. At Berthold-Löwenstein-Platz, greening is also to be carried out in place of the toilet block.

As the public toilet is to be relocated to the northern part, this area needs to be redeveloped. The plan is to integrate the toilet into a new cycle parking facility, which could take the form of a cycle station. Seating and play areas are to be created. The existing trees are to be preserved and, where necessary, supplemented.

Several green stepping stones are to be created between the town hall and the city centre. This green space is to become one of these stepping stones.

As part of the redesign, whilst preserving and enhancing the distinctive existing trees and shrubs, the green space is to be further developed into a visually open, square-like space, against the backdrop of which stands the listed complex comprising Bocholt Town Hall, the cultural centre and the existing bridges. From a functional perspective, the existing green space will be further opened up to pedestrian traffic. By opening up sightlines, social control will be strengthened on the one hand, whilst on the other hand the green space, through its improved integration into the network of footpaths in Bocholt town centre, will contribute significantly to strengthening the route connections not only between the town centre and Bocholt Town Hall, Ravardistraße and the Bocholter Aa green corridor, but also in line with the mobility concept.

Within the area, individual seating areas will be created that invite people to linger and offer visitors to the town centre and the town hall, local residents and passers-by the opportunity for a relaxing break. Seating will be provided on the banks of the Aa, offering views of Bocholt Town Hall. Furthermore, the tree beds will be bordered with seating blocks. In addition, an aesthetically and ecologically high-quality, extensive planting scheme comprising perennials and grasses will be established. The design of the green space will be complemented by a carefully integrated play area.

Planning status: 10/2025

Another green initiative is the removal of the hard surface from the areas previously used as a car park. The car park will be converted into a green space and opened up towards the Schanze. The existing trees will be preserved as far as possible. Further greening is planned in the form of extensive planting of high aesthetic and ecological quality.

From a functional perspective, the area will be further opened up to pedestrian traffic and sightlines will be improved. Better integration into the footpath network of Bocholt town centre will strengthen the connections between the town centre, Bocholt Town Hall and the Bocholter Aa green corridor, in line with the mobility concept.

At the heart of the area, recreational spaces will be created that encourage people to linger and offer a place for visitors to the town centre and the Town Hall, local residents and passers-by to relax. A play area for children will also be incorporated.

As part of the state initiative "Bauland an der Schiene%$, a framework plan for the area surrounding Bocholt railway station was drawn up in 2020. Among other things, this plan provides for the redevelopment of the station square. Furthermore, the City of Bocholt's Integrated Mobility Concept 2035 includes measures relating to Bocholt railway station. Based on these plans and concepts, various planning processes have been initiated. Firstly, an engineering design for the redevelopment of Bocholt railway station has been commissioned. As a further component, the junction configuration at Theodor-Heuss-Ring/Ebertstraße/Kreuzstraße/Hindenburgstraße/Industriestraße has been examined. A feasibility study has been carried out for a multi-storey car park on Ewaldstraße.

The aim of the project is to make public transport more attractive and to improve connections between different modes of transport. It is therefore planned to develop the railway station into a transport hub. Additional bus stop capacity is to be created in order to expand local and regional bus services. In addition, improved parking facilities for bicycles are to be provided. By reducing the area occupied by traffic, more public spaces will also be created. Furthermore, the adjacent junction is to be redesigned with the aim of improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists in particular; amongst other things, cyclists travelling from Ebertstraße towards Theodor-Heuss-Ring will no longer have to use the carriageway but will instead use a cycle path.

For the project "Redesign of the railway station, including Hindenburgstraße, into a mobility hub" and the "reconstruction of the Ebertstraße/Hindenburgstraße/Kreuzstraße junction to improve road safety", funding applications were submitted in autumn 2025 under the "Sustainable Urban Mobility for All" funding programme.

The Committee for Planning, Construction and Transport approved the plans at its meeting on 2 July 2025.

Planning status: 10/2025

The acquisition of land has made it possible to extend the riverside area, thereby creating more space for play facilities and seating. The playground features play equipment suitable for different age groups. Various seating areas have also been created.

As well as improving the quality of the visitor experience, the area has also been enhanced ecologically. To this end, insect-friendly perennials have been planted. The existing tree population has been preserved as far as possible, and additional trees have been planted.

From Neutorplatz to the sunken bridge, there is a paved footpath and an asphalt cycle path meeting the standards of a cycle expressway.

The project was completed in early July 2026.

Funding for the project was granted from the urban development schemes of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Federal Government. The project was also financed with funds from the 'Stadt und Land' special programme.

See also https://www.bocholt.de/neuigkeiten/verkehr/neugestaltete-promenade-an-der-aa-wird-in-dieser-woche-freigegeben

Stadtsparkasse Bocholt developed the former Hertie site and relocated its head office from Marktplatz to Neutorplatz. A further commercial building was also constructed. In addition, the open spaces leading down to the River Aa were expanded. The new development made it possible to redesign these areas, thereby enhancing the quality of the public space.

A new square was created in front of the new buildings, which is used for events. Various seating areas were also created, for example under the plane trees or by the grassed flowerbeds. Along the River Aa, there is a railing that extends partly over the water. Further trees were planted and benches installed in this area.

A footpath has been laid out along the River Aa, bordered by grass beds. The footpath leads past a jetty on the River Aa, where further seating has been provided.

The project was completed in April 2021.

Funding for the project was granted from the urban development schemes of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Federal Government.

Following a redesign, the northern section of the Aa Promenade between Theodor-Heuss-Ring and Neustraße is now an inviting place to linger. Two seating areas with views of the Aa have been created, each bordered by a concrete paving. A stepped platform separates the square from the riverbank and provides additional seating.

The green corridor has been enhanced ecologically through the planting of insect-friendly perennials and shrubs, which, for example, surround the seating areas.

In addition, the existing path has been resurfaced with a new water-bound surface. This new surface prevents the ground from becoming waterlogged, ensuring that the path no longer turns to mud and remains comfortable to walk on.

The redevelopment was completed in autumn 2023.

Funding for the project was granted from the urban development schemes of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Federal Government.

One of the few inner-city green spaces is situated on Weberstraße. Until now, it had consisted mainly of low, spreading shrubs. Two small play areas had also been incorporated, but these had to be removed, partly due to safety concerns regarding traffic. Since then, the green space has served primarily as an access route to the care home.

As part of the 'Zukunftsstadt 2030+' competition, suggestions and ideas for the future use and design of the space were gathered at various public events and incorporated into the plans. These focused primarily on opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.

Young and old alike can find space and activities there for play, exercise and rest under the shade of the trees in the heart of the bustling city centre. The design was complemented by the creation of perennial beds and the installation of raised beds, which are maintained as part of a joint project between the care home and an adjacent nursery. The green space features a play area with a climbing and balancing course, a group swing and a water play area. A large "Hollywood swing", pedal exercisers in front of benches and a spring-mounted seesaw are arranged along the circular path and invite visitors to give them a go.

The redevelopment was completed in the summer of 2022.

Funding for the project was granted from the urban development schemes of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Federal Government.

On Liebfrauenplatz, part of the area has been transformed into a public garden with a playground. Various seating and play features have been integrated into an attractive garden setting, thereby helping to enhance the quality of the space for visitors.

The area had already been set up as a temporary play garden for the "Bocholter Gärten" initiative in spring 2022. This was very well received by both residents and politicians, so the initiative was initially extended and eventually redesigned on a temporary basis for the coming years. The space was opened to the public in December 2023.

The town of Bocholt is receiving financial support through grants from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia under the "Emergency Programme to Strengthen Our Town Centres and Local Hubs in North Rhine-Westphalia%$.

See also https://www.bocholt.de/neuigkeiten/stadtentwicklung/liebfrauenplatz-neuer-stadtgarten-fuer-attraktivere-innenstadt