On behalf of Niedersachsen Ports GmbH & Co. KG (NPorts), the North German real estate consulting firm Robert C. Spies has presented the next steps in the tourism development of the approximately 200-hectare leisure area in Hooksiel. The basis for this was extensive analyses with which the potential of the location was evaluated, relevant target groups were identified and concrete usage approaches were developed. On the basis of these results, the concept has now been presented to the Committee for Community Development in Wangerland. At the same time, Robert C. Spies has already begun to approach potential investors and operators for the planned project components.
Strategic positioning as a modern coastal and recreational destination
At the heart of the concept is the positioning of Hooksiel as a modern coastal and recreational destination that combines nature experience, water sports, quality tourism and sustainable infrastructure and at the same time provides economic impetus for the region. The location between Hooksmeer and the North Sea coast is considered one of the strongest location factors. At the same time, the proximity to the energy and port development fields in Wilhelmshaven creates additional demand prospects, for example for business travellers, conferences, seminars or temporary work stays.
Location analysis shows new demand potential
The analyses prepared by Robert C. Spies include a detailed examination of comparable destinations such as Cuxhaven, Büsum, St. Peter-Ording or Norderney. It became clear that although Wangerland has an above-average length of stay, this is mainly due to the high proportion of long-term camping, while guest arrivals are declining overall. This results in the opportunity to attract new target groups for Hooksiel and to establish more high-quality tourist offers.
“Our analyses show that Hooksiel not only has an exceptional scenic starting point, but also a broad tourist profile that can appeal to new visitor groups. It will be crucial to create offers with a high quality focus and a clear identity. We are now in the phase of actively bringing these concepts to the market and identifying suitable operators and investors,” says Andreas Fuchs, Managing Director of Projects & Development at Robert C. Spies.
Concrete usage perspectives along nature, harbour, forest and water
Focal points of use have been developed for the various sub-areas, including hotel and holiday park structures, experience-oriented accommodation offers such as houseboats on the Hooksmeer as well as water and nature-related sports facilities. A central building block is the further development of the outer harbour, where a multifunctional building could be built that combines gastronomy, lounge areas, shops, co-working and conference areas as well as tourist services. In addition, nature-oriented service modules were designed in the adjacent forest areas.
“Our aim is to plan that creates a quality of stay and experience and at the same time takes into account nature, the townscape and existing structures. We want to expand the offer without overprinting it – and we want to do so in close coordination with the municipality,” says Mathias Lüdicke, branch manager of Niedersachsen Ports in Wilhelmshaven.
The concept was positively received by the Committee for Community Development in Wangerland. The aim is to closely interlink tourism development with Hooksiel and the existing tourist and economic offers. “Hooksiel has enormous potential that has not yet been exploited. It is crucial that a further development of tourism is not created against the place, but together with it. We want to create offers that give the region new perspectives and at the same time remain authentic. The approaches now presented are an important step on this path,” says Mario Szlezak, Mayor of the municipality of Wangerland.
The search for investors has begun – NPorts remains the owner of the land
NPorts does not act as an investor, but creates the planning conditions and accompanies the process. Robert C. Spies takes on the task of qualifying projects, concretising concepts and identifying suitable operator and investor structures and bringing them to market. The basis for this is the recently concluded urban development agreements as well as clarifications of planning law, which for the first time enable major tourist developments on the site.
