Chemnitz successful in city centre competition "Ab in die Mitte! The Saxony City Centre Offensive" competition
Project entry "Eiszauber Chemnitz" receives 9,000 euros in prize money for innovative idea
Chemnitz had reason to celebrate at today's closing event in the Delitzsch community centre to honour this year's winners of the 2021 "Ab in die Mitte" city competition: Under the competition motto "Living Space City: Trade, Change, Diversity", the project proposal "Ice Magic Chemnitz" was able to convince and win prize money of 9.000 euros to finance the project.
The project is a sustainable event format that is set to celebrate its premiere in Chemnitz city centre on Neumarkt square during the 2022 winter holidays. In addition to a 15 x 30 metre ice rink made of special plastic on Neumarkt, catering areas will also be created. In addition, the local catering trade is to be inspired by the project. This offer should appeal to young and old guests alike and thus contribute to guests spending more time in the city centre.
The running characteristics on the synthetic ice rink are similar to those on real ice, but have a much more positive balance in terms of energy and water consumption. The aim is to take greater account of environmental awareness in the event formats.
The Chemnitzer Siedlungsgemeinschaft eG is the idea generator, investor and operator of the ice rink and the "CSg-Winterlounge". The ice rink is the prelude to the great vision for the future "Ice Magic Chemnitz" by event partner "exclusiv events". This will make it possible to experience Chemnitz city centre on ice on several ice rinks connected by canals.
The 9,000 euros in prize money can now be used to realise further elements of this idea, such as a curling rink. The entire project is supported by the city of Chemnitz.
Background: "Off to the centre! The Saxony City Offensive"
The city centre competition "Ab in die Mitte! City-Offensive Saxony" is a public-private partnership initiative to give municipalities new impetus for urban renewal and increase the attractiveness of city centres. Due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the attractiveness and economic strength of the centres of Saxony's cities and municipalities, the "Ab in die Mitte!" competition was expanded this year in terms of concept and funding. The Free State of Saxony provided additional funding for this purpose, allowing prize money totalling 400,000 euros to be awarded. A total of 48 Saxon municipalities took part in this year's competition with 49 projects.