Fitness revolution in Porz: Former savings bank becomes sports temple!

Fitness revolution in Porz: Former savings bank becomes sports temple!

Something exciting is happening in Porz-Eil: On October 25th, the former Sparkasse branch on Frankfurter Straße will become the new home of a fitness studio. As the Review online reported, the location is now no longer run as a local supply center, although it is in a local supply location.

The adaptation to the retail and center concept approved in 2023 has shown that the row of shops on Frankfurter Strasse does not have the supply function for the surrounding residential areas, as required for a local supply center. While there is a colorful mix of shops around the corner - from electronics stores and laundry to a cozy restaurant and small snack bars - there is no supermarket or discount store. This means that Eil has lost its status as a local supply center because the city administration does not consider locations with only one Aldi or Lidl branch to be independent local supply centers.

Pleasing development for the residents

The city spokesman said that the city of Cologne would like to see alternative uses, such as the fitness studio, in central supply areas. These are intended to complement the existing trading structure. A building application has already been submitted to convert the bank branch into a fitness center, although the final decision on this is still pending. The new fitness studio could become a popular meeting place for residents.

Erwin Bäuml, the chairman of the Eiler Ortsring, also commented positively on the project. He emphasizes that neither dirt nor noise is to be expected from the new studio. This ensures a relaxed mood among citizens, especially since there has been no negative feedback on the project so far. This is particularly remarkable since the local ring had previously fought to preserve the savings bank branch, but without success.

A look beyond the borders of Cologne

The developments in Porz-Eil show a pattern that can also be seen in other cities. In Duisburg, for example, part of the product range is regularly adjusted in accordance with the retail and center concept in order to promote the local retail structure ( City of Duisburg ). Here too, the aim is to secure local supplies and at the same time create a flexible retail landscape.

Similar work is being done in Berlin to improve the quality of stay in order to strengthen existing retail locations and promote an attractive mix of uses. The city plans to create a diverse and lively commercial atmosphere through aggressive marketing and urban development concepts ( Berlin.de ).

Overall, it can be seen that, especially in structurally weaker areas such as Porz-Eil, the loss of traditional retail is not necessarily negative if alternative usage concepts such as fitness studios bring a breath of fresh air into the storefronts. It remains exciting to see how this development will affect the retail structure and the quality of life of residents.