ZukunftsVIT (word game:Zukunft=future + 1st syllable for Viechtach & FIT, means: fit for the future)
About this good practice
The "ZukunftsVIT" initiative has two main parts. The first one, the resilience concept, aims to analyze the project area, write a process documentation during the project and create a handbook for further implementation of measures and projects.
The second one is the position of the “Resilience Manager”, the person responsible for project management in general but especially for the participation process of citizens and network creation in the city.
Accompanied by the resilience concept, the Resilience Manager initiates urban development processes at a strategic and operational level. He is working in a vacant property which is activated for use as a venue for events and as a place where people can meet, discuss & develop their ideas. A fund for micro measures and marketing & PR measures are also intended to contribute to a sustainable revitalization of the city center.
These efforts are linked with the initiative to eliminate vacancies and revitalize the town center, in order to reach its potential.
As arts and culture is a USP of Viechtach, the project “DoorOPENER” (as part of ZukunftsVIT) will bring the topic of empty spaces into public discussion in order to motivate owners to participate.
The project aims to help the municipality be more resilient and better prepared to recover in times of crises, also making sure the changes are sustainable on a longer term.
In the end, this initiative helps the society of Viechtach to revitalize the heart of the town.
Resources needed
total eligible costs: 299.700 EUR
approved federal funds: 269.730 EUR
municipal own contribution: 29.970 EUR
External Services: for resilience manager and for the creation of the resilience concept; input from the city administration
Evidence of success
Over 90 people already visited the "RESI" to present their ideas or seek advice. Several workshops have been conducted, numerous events already took place, 3 pop-up shops were realized & a new “Tante Ernas record shop&café” has recently opened. A cocktail bar and a photo studio will soon follow.
5 people got max. 2.000 € for their business from the fund for micro projects.
The DoorOpener project has started & helps create awareness on the empty spaces to facilitate dialogue with the owners.
Potential for learning or transfer
A revitalized and resilient city can only be reached if the population is actively involved, collaborating with administration and other civil society stakeholders. Therefore a neutral instance is needed to organize the exchange and communication process. The “RESI” is a public accessible point of information and giving advisory, an important place for citizens. It is situated in the center of Viechtach in a former bank building (and not in an usual public building, which is often an inhibition for people to visit). A a lot of events and workshops take place in RESI and it is foreseen to become a regular institution beyond project duration. Having a person with regular opening times as a contact person for the stakeholders is definitely an advantage. The full support of the city administration is needed on two aspects: in a practical way, to use the technical and personnel resources, and regarding the commitment of the decision makers, namely the mayor and the city council.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.