Huckelriede Faces Food Security Concerns as Combi Market Closes Doors
Bremen residents brace for limited grocery options as the Combi market on Volkmannstrasse prepares to shutter at the end of the year, sparking debate over local supply solutions.
The impending closure of the Combi market on Bremen’s Volkmannstrasse has left residents and local politicians grappling with concerns over access to fresh and affordable groceries in the Huckelriede district. Confirmed by a spokesperson for the Bünting group, the market will cease operations on December 31st, leaving a void in the neighborhood’s retail landscape.
While the Bünting group has not disclosed the specific reasons for the closure, a company representative confirmed there are “currently no concrete plans” to open another Combi store within Bremen. This decision has prompted a swift response from district officials, who are now urgently assessing the implications for local food security.
Residents will have choice shopping options, though with varying degrees of convenience.The nearest Combi market is located on Kattenturmer Heerstrasse,approximately two and a half kilometers away – a journey that takes roughly 15 minutes by bus. Closer options include Aldi, Özbim-Center, and Lidl markets near Volkmannstrasse, but some residents express concern that these alternatives may not offer the same range of products or price points as the closing Combi.
“People are definitely perceiving the loss of the Combi market as a deterioration in their supply situation,” noted feedback gathered from local residents.Concerns center around the potential loss of affordable goods and the reduction of local suppliers in the area.
The situation has prompted a renewed focus on bolstering local supply options within Huckelriede. The Neustadt district parliament recently passed a resolution urging authorities to “influence, as far as possible, the maintenance of local supplies in this area.” This isn’t a new concern; the advisory board has been actively discussing local supply issues in Huckelriede for several years.
Reviving the weekly market that briefly operated on the Huckelriede town square in 2015 and 2016 is one idea being considered. Another proposal suggests establishing a smaller supermarket on Kornstrasse to better serve elderly residents and those with limited mobility. However, experts caution that establishing new retail offerings in the town center will be challenging.
A key obstacle is the lack of suitable property.According to Markus Haacke of the Bremen economic authority, “We would expressly welcome a settlement there, but there is no property that would be large enough.” Developing a new commercial property would require combining multiple privately-owned lots, a complex and potentially lengthy process.
Furthermore, the existing competition from supermarkets and discounters on the outskirts of the district poses a significant economic hurdle. A senior official stated that it is indeed “questionable whether a shop in the town center can be operated economically under these circumstances.” The expiration of urban development and “Win” funds has also created a lack of financial support for projects aimed at improving local supplies beyond discount retailers.
The challenges are compounded by a city-wide issue impacting weekly markets: a shortage of suppliers willing to participate. Lars Jansen from the Bremen wholesale market explained to advisory board members that securing vendors for a new market is proving difficult.
as the population of Huckelriede continues to grow with the development of new residential areas like Seehöfe, Corn quarter, and Garden City of Werdersee, the need for accessible and diverse grocery options will only become more pressing. The closure of the Combi market serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain thriving local economies and ensure food security for all residents.
