South City Center in Limbo: City Administration Cites "Significant Uncertainties" as Owner Fails to Respond
Halle's South City Center remains closed due to unresolved fire safety risks
The situation surrounding Halle (Saale)'s South City Center remains in deadlock for residents and businesses alike. After severe fire safety violations led to a building authority shutdown in February 2026, the city administration's latest response to an inquiry from the SPD city council faction paints a mixed picture. While there has been modest progress for tenants—two apartments in the complex remain habitable—the full revival of the shopping center remains highly uncertain.
A Small Victory for Residents
A glimmer of hope has emerged for the residential section of the complex, as the city administration has partially lifted its usage ban for this part of the building. The key factor was the owner's successful submission of proof that emergency escape routes in the affected area meet safety standards. Drinking water supply, which had been temporarily cut off, was also restored on April 7, 2026, following a payment. However, the situation for tenants remains complicated: the building has only one utility connection, making separate supply lines for the apartments technically impossible, according to the city. Since contracts exist solely with the owner, individual solutions for tenants can only be negotiated directly with the utility provider.
Stagnation on Power and Fire Safety
The outlook is far less optimistic for electricity supply and overall fire safety. EVH GmbH continues to exercise its right to withhold services, as the owner has yet to resolve the reasons for the supply restrictions, and no tangible steps toward clarification have been observed. Additionally, the grid operator has deactivated several meters after tenants moved out, eliminating the need for power in those areas.
As for the center's full reopening, the administration states it is unable to provide a precise assessment, as progress hinges entirely on the owner's cooperation and compliance. Prospects for a revival in 2026 are therefore only cautiously positive. While a new investor may be on the horizon, significant uncertainties—particularly regarding unresolved fire safety issues and the feasibility of new commercial uses—temper expectations. René Rebenstorf, head of the city's building department, commented: "The administration currently views the chances of reviving the South City Center in 2026 as only cautiously positive. Although a new investor is in prospect, substantial uncertainties persist, especially concerning the complete elimination of fire safety deficiencies and the practical implementation of new commercial uses."
Long-Term Prospects for Local Supply
Given the uncertainty, alternative locations to secure local retail are already under consideration. The city administration is theoretically exploring the establishment of a high-quality supply center elsewhere, though no concrete sites have yet been identified. "The potential to attract investors exists in principle but depends heavily on location, available space, purchasing power, and planning regulations," Rebenstorf noted. "Such a project would only be realistic with a viable operator and usage concept." He added that any such development would be a long-term endeavor, requiring lengthy planning, approval, and construction phases—likely spanning several years.
Owner Remains Unresponsive
Whether the newly announced investor will actually deliver the hoped-for rescue remains uncertain, as communication with the current owner appears to have stalled—at least according to statements from the city administration. The administration reports that, despite repeated inquiries, the owner has yet to respond to proposed meeting dates for April 2026. Since officials are also unable to assess the owner's financial solvency, restoring full operational capacity remains a gradual process with an uncertain timeline stretching over several months. At present, the city administration cannot specify a concrete date for a complete reopening.
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