Future Altona: Three visionaries outline paths to economic change!

Future Altona: Three visionaries outline paths to economic change!

In Altona, commitment to the future is bubbling as local actors face the challenges of change. As the saying “Trade is change” goes, it turns out that online trading and changing business models in particular influence the district's economy. For the three representatives of Altona's economy, Rocko Schamoni, Melanie Parr and Sven Ebert, the question of how Altona can become even better is of central importance. These committed personalities give us insights into the potential and challenges that need to be overcome.

Melanie Parr, the area coordinator of “Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld”, emphasizes the immense importance of this science location for Altona and all of Hamburg. The Science City extends over an impressive 125 hectares and is a place where start-ups, companies, living space, leisure opportunities and social meeting spaces are harmoniously interwoven. In particular, the area of ​​medical technology and vaccine research is highlighted as a crucial field in which Altona is on the road to success.

Innovation park as a future model

Another component of this development is the Altona Innovation Park, which is quickly developing into an international science park. The foundation for the future is being laid here with focal points such as structural research, life sciences, nano and laser technology as well as quantum computing. According to the Science City Hamburg website, the innovation park offers ideal space for companies, making this location a hub for research and development. This is further supported by the close connection to the Hamburg innovation ecosystem, so that companies in the region can optimally benefit.

The innovation park also contributes to establishing Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld as a leading location. The Helmholtz Center for German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) will act as an anchor institution, providing a framework for new buildings and research opportunities in the campus area. Important developments are also planned here, including technology centers and innovative services for research-oriented companies.

The challenges of the creative industries

Rocko Schamoni, a well-known musician and club owner, brings a completely different perspective to the discussion. It gives a voice to the creative and music industries, which have suffered significantly, particularly during the pandemic. Schamoni is actively involved in the Werkhof on Bernstorffstrasse and warns that the threatened sale of this creative place could have significant negative effects on Altona's cultural life. He also reports on the changing leisure habits of people who have been going to clubs and concerts less since Corona - a trend that poses serious challenges for the industry.

Overall, Sven Ebert, Mercado center manager, reflects on a positive side of the development in Altona. The Mercado serves as a central market place and offers good local supplies for residents. Ebert underlines the importance of the Mercado for the community and wants neighborhood managers who will enable even better development. He sees the “Freiraum Ottensen” project as having potential for new impulses and positive changes for the neighborhood.

Looking into the future

In order to maintain dialogue about these important topics, an after-work event organized by the Chamber of Commerce will take place on July 16th in the Zeisehallen. There Schamoni, Parr and Ebert will discuss the future of Altona as a business location and share their visions with those present. It is clear: Altona has big plans and is just waiting to be inspired by the ideas and commitment of its citizens.

Altona not only faces challenges, but also opportunities. With the innovation park and a dynamic creative scene, it has the potential to further develop into one of the special places in Hamburg where the future is being shaped.