Wonderful village square in Weißenstein: meeting point for enjoyment and encounters!

Wonderful village square in Weißenstein: meeting point for enjoyment and encounters!

On October 27, 2025, a central initiative for local development in Weißenstein opened, in which, among others, LHStv. Martin Gruber, LR Daniel Fellner and Mayor Harald Haberle took part. The project aims to create a common place of encounter and regionality by strengthening local economies and quality of life. This redesign of the village square was supported with 99,000 euros from the state's local and regional development funding. In addition, the newly designed “Genuss-Platzl” received 35,000 euros in state funds.

Amid the changes, LHStv emphasized. Gruber the return of new life to the center of the place. According to those responsible, the project aims to combine local supply, regionality and hospitality. In the former bank building on the village square, an innovative place is being created that functions as both a café and a village shop. Here, visitors can not only buy regional food, but also enjoy breakfast and snack options. The development of the “Genuss-Platzl” took place as part of an extensive citizen participation process that took into account the opinions and wishes of the population.

Rural development support programs

Promoting rural regions is an important goal of the German federal government. This is explained by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Community (BMLEH), which supports innovative approaches to rural development through the BULEplus program. This program encourages local actors to test new ideas to improve digitalization, strengthen volunteerism and mobility. In particular, the funding includes non-agricultural projects and activities that contribute to the attractiveness and quality of life in rural areas.

In addition to BULEplus, the joint task “Improving agricultural structure and coastal protection” (GAK) aims to create strategic planning foundations for rural areas. According to the information from bmleh.de, municipalities, municipal associations and associations of regional actors receive integrated rural development concepts (ILEK) valuable grants for the creation of concepts and plans. The aim is to preserve and further develop rural areas as a place to live, work, relax and enjoy nature.

Future prospects and support

The success of such projects often depends on comprehensive planning and the involvement of all relevant actors. The analysis of strengths and weaknesses is essential for the development of rural areas in order to make the best possible use of the existing potential. Grants of up to 75% of the costs for various projects can be applied for, as was the case with the development of the “Genuss-Platzl” in Weißenstein.

The findings from programs such as BULEplus are also incorporated into policy design for rural areas and offer valuable insights into the success factors and challenges in implementing such projects. For more information on projects and rural development, the pages of ble.de and local authorities are available.