Urban Development Funding of the City of Bad Karlshafen

The "Living Centers" program supports private individuals, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in Bad Karlshafen and Helmarshausen in revitalizing historic town centers. The goal is to sustainably enhance the baroque town center of Bad Karlshafen with its harbor basin as well as the town center of Helmarshausen through modern open space design, barrier-free access, and monument-appropriate building renovations. Funding is provided, among other things, for reconnecting the harbor basin to the Weser River, redesigning the harbor square, promenades, and canal streets, as well as modernizing facades and interiors of private and public buildings. The city was included in the "Urban Monument Protection" program in 2014; in 2018, the program was expanded to include Helmarshausen and the previous urban development funding programs were consolidated into "Living Centers." Since then, grants covering 50% to 90% of eligible costs have been available for private renovation measures, and up to €5.5 million for municipal infrastructure projects related to harbor opening, as well as up to €3 million for private building renovations.

Eligible applicants are owners of protected buildings within the redevelopment area, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and local businesses. Eligible costs include construction expenses for the harbor forecourt, lock renovation, and promenade expansion, as well as modernization of facades, interiors, sidewalks, and lighting systems. Pure administrative costs or individual measures outside the redevelopment area are not eligible for funding. Applications can be submitted continuously on an annual basis; an early start of construction may be permitted if timely notification is given to the granting authority. The application requires an Integrated Action Concept, cost and financing plan, monument preservation approval, and a detailed project description. The program thus makes an important contribution to preserving the historic fabric and enhancing the quality of stay in the centers of Bad Karlshafen and Helmarshausen.