From arrival city to the future - Offenbach's urban transformation

Offenbach am Main, a city in Germany only 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) away from Frankfurt, is witnessing an amazing urban development. The city by the river Main with a population of 126.000 inhabitants is a real melting pot and hometown to people with different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Migrant workers from southern Europe and their families live in this city as well as many Asians. Turkish people who came in the 1960s have recently been joined by increasing numbers of immigrants and refugees from Africa and the Arab world.

Offenbach is described by the Canadian journalist Doug Saunders as an “arrival city”: a quarter on the edge of a metropolis – in this case, Frankfurt am Main – that enables immigrants to make a good start because the cost of living is low there and it is easier to find a job in the communities. The arrival city, as Saunders writes, often serves as a social springboard.

The city of Offenbach which has been struggling with a negative image, high criminality rates, poverty and economic challenges today experiences a fast transformation in many ways. The creative potential transforms the city into an exciting place. Street artists and design students, young hipsters come to the city alongside rich bankers and young families. New real estate projects are being developed. The former industrial harbour which had been abandoned for many years is now a new residential area with luxury apartments on the river bank. A new hotel, offices, a gym and restaurants will follow. A public beach will accomplish the new city concept.

The new properties are located next to urban gardening places, the marina, kebab shops and street art.

Offenbach will most likely benefit from the Brexit as new bankers will move to the Frankfurt which is one of the most dynamic financial centres in the heart of Europe. The European Central Bank which is located close to Offenbach is part of the skyline of Frankfurt which can be seen from Offenbach's Hafeninsel. Arts, culture and money will flow into Offenbach in the next few years and the city will experience tremendous growth and an interesting social mix of migrant workers, new wealthy residents, young families and artists, old buildings with dark brick facades and modern expensive apartments in bright new colours. The urban transformation of the arrival city into a future hub will bring along untapped potential and possibly also new challenges. Welcome to arrival city where the future begins!