State-wide Funding Program for Municipalities to Strengthen Saarland Retail in City Centers, District, and Local Centers (Future Concept for Retail in Saarland 2030)

This funding program is explicitly aimed at Saarland cities and municipalities that wish to implement future-oriented concepts and projects to strengthen retail and revitalize their city centers, district, and local centers. It aims to preserve and further develop these urban areas as vibrant economic locations and experience spaces.

The funding program supports a variety of measures to strengthen retail and revitalize urban centers. These include the development of new concepts, the implementation of city and vacancy management, the organization of public events, and the temporary rental of vacant retail premises for new uses.

Funding is provided as a grant and covers up to 90 percent of eligible expenses, with maximum funding amounts based on the size of the funding center. Projects typically have a duration of two years.

Specific requirements must be met for funding, including the alignment of measures with the Future Concept for Retail in Saarland 2030, concentration on urban centers, and ensuring an own contribution. There are also regulations regarding state aid law and budget restrictions.

The application must be submitted in writing and electronically before the start of the measure, requiring special forms and documents. The selection of eligibility for funding is made by a jury, and the granting authority makes the final decision.

The funding program is based on the "Guideline 'State-wide Funding Program for Municipalities to Strengthen Saarland Retail in City Centers, District, and Local Centers' (Future Concept for Retail in Saarland 2030)" and other budgetary and administrative legal provisions of Saarland.