Vibrant Centers

The funding program "Living Centers" supports public institutions in Hesse in the sustainable development of inner cities and town centers. With a focus on urban development, energy efficiency, climate protection, as well as environmental and nature conservation, it promotes structural measures for the modernization of public facilities, the renovation of historic buildings, the new design and redesign of squares, and the enhancement of open and green spaces. The goal is to strengthen social participation, secure local supply services, and revitalize urban centers as places of exchange and identification. With a funding rate of up to 66% and a project duration of up to ten years, the program offers financial incentives to repurpose vacant buildings and expand barrier-free mobility—especially for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Municipal authorities as well as special-purpose and planning associations pursuant to § 205 para. 4 BauGB may submit applications once an integrated urban development concept is in place and the funding area has been formally delineated and recognized. For application submission, a description of the funding area with development objectives, the document establishing a governance structure, and the Integrated Urban Development Concept are required. The annual call for applications takes place after program inclusion; individual measures may be implemented from the effective date of the grant notification or from January 1 of the respective year. WIBank provides the funds on a needs-based basis and supports the grant recipients throughout the entire duration of the project.