A castle for ALL! Renovated, transformed and with synergies for the old town

An almost 900-year-old building is becoming an open place for citizens and visitors: the town of Hückeswagen is turning its listed castle from the 12th century into a multifunctional socio-cultural meeting center in order to enhance the entire historic old town. Rooms for education, culture and advice as well as a restaurant will complement its function as a town hall and administrative center in the future

Need for action in Hückeswagen

The 2021 urban development concept made it clear: there is a need for action in Hückeswagen. A castle with outdated premises, used only as an administrative building and anything but barrier-free, plus a pretty half-timbered old town in which some apartments and stores were now empty - this situation called many local people to the scene who, together with the town council, agreed on a new usage concept for the castle in numerous workshops.

Imaging the entire old town

With its medieval exterior, embrasures, thick walls and turrets, Hückeswagen Castle has been transformed into a modern lighthouse project that is set to impact the entire old town of Hückeswagen. With low-threshold offers for all generations, a meeting place for the entire urban community is to be created, for associations and players in the social infrastructure through to the local economy - a "castle for EVERYONE!". Open to children, young people, families, people interested in culture and visitors to the city, the "Schloss für ALLE!" will provide prevention and support, as well as leisure activities and cultural experiences. Local and regional advice centers will move into the castle or offer consultation hours there, and local associations and initiatives will also use the rooms. A co-working space, a café and an exhibition on the history of the city will round off the offer. Concerts, exhibitions, theater, readings, but also council meetings and corporate events will take place in the new castle hall. Lots of life in the old walls - and therefore also in the historic old town.

Careful renovation

The ground-breaking ceremony took place in May 2025, and the castle is now undergoing a comprehensive but careful renovation for around 20 million euros, especially on the inside - from removing harmful substances to modern fire protection. Modern windows and a new heating system, including the installation of a heat pump, will significantly improve energy efficiency. The work is due to be completed in 2028. By then, a little-used administration building with the charm of the 1960s will have been transformed into a meeting center with modern, spacious rooms. The "Schloss für ALLE!" is intended to radiate into the surrounding area with its offers, so that the region will also benefit from the conversion and repurposing.