Advancement through Committed Urban Policy
Interview with Thomas Edathy, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Celle GmbH
In conversation, Thomas Edathy, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Celle GmbH, discusses the various challenges and achievements of the company. He describes the development from a small unit to a dynamic company that today offers a wide range of services. He provides insights into the strategic direction of the Stadtwerke, particularly in terms of modernizing the parking infrastructure and promoting sustainable mobility.
"We started very small," recalls Thomas Edathy. "Back then, we only had four employees and focused on the swimming pool and some parking garages." However, after the reintroduction of electricity and gas offerings, as well as taking over water supply and wastewater disposal, significant expansion began. The launch of a customer center and the maintenance of urban lighting were also among the new business areas developed over the years. "It was a big step for us to take on these tasks and expand our portfolio," adds Thomas Edathy. The Celler Parkbetriebe, which was founded in 1990 as a 100% subsidiary of Stadtwerke Celle GmbH, is responsible for the construction and management of parking garages, parking decks, and the motorhome parking space in Celle, and has managed to modernize the parking infrastructure and adapt it to today's requirements.
Expansion of Parking Infrastructure and Mobility Solutions
A central focus of Celler Parkbetriebe is the development of parking facilities in Celle. "When we were founded, we initially took over the two parking garages, Südwall and Nordwall," explains the managing director. "But over time, the Union underground garage, the two parking decks at Maschplatz and Langensalzaplatz, and the park-and-ride facility at the train station were added." These decks provide flexible parking options that are particularly valued in urban settings. Exact listings and locations of the parking spaces can be found on the website of Celler Parkbetriebe. In 2018, a motorhome parking area was established near the fun pool, which is currently being expanded by an additional 22 spaces due to increasing demand. "We plan to complete this expansion in time for the Christmas market," says Thomas Edathy. However, there was resistance from the public, which led to delays in obtaining the building permit. Another important project was the introduction of an intelligent parking guidance system in the downtown area, which provides current information on available spaces and potential closures. "With these measures, we contribute to sustainable mobility in the city and simultaneously support tourism and local retail," emphasizes Thomas Edathy.
Challenges and Crisis Management
The last few years have brought significant challenges for the Celler Park enterprises. The coronavirus pandemic led to a drastic decline in visitor numbers in the parking garages, as many businesses in the tourist-oriented city had to remain closed and more people were working from home. The park-and-ride facility at the train station also saw reduced utilization, as fewer commuters used the facility. "We have experienced a noticeable recovery and visitor numbers and revenues are approaching the levels of 2019," reports Thomas Edathy. Remarkably, motorhome tourism increased during the pandemic, indicating a change in travel habits. Another challenge was the energy crisis, which caused particularly high costs for the municipal swimming pool. "To counteract these financial burdens, we installed a solar absorber system in the outdoor pool," explains the managing director. All parking garages except one, as well as the parking pallets, are profitable. "Only our problem child, the underground garage, regularly records losses of several hundred thousand EUR annually, as it causes high depreciation due to the large initial investment, and the lowest level must be able to be flooded in case of extremely rising groundwater levels," explains Thomas Edathy the problem.
Future Prospects and Sustainable Development
The Celler Parkbetriebe have clear plans for the future and place a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. "We want to expand the RV park and demolish and rebuild the large parking deck with 366 spaces over the next five years," says Thomas Edathy. Promoting e-mobility is also at the forefront of the strategy. This includes expanding the network of electric charging stations in the parking garages at Südwall, Nordwall, and Union, as well as creating bicycle parking facilities with charging stations for e-bikes. "These projects aim to promote sustainable mobility in Celle and support the transition to more environmentally friendly modes of transport," emphasizes Thomas Edathy. Additionally, the Celler Parkbetriebe are examining the installation of more photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the parking garages, to reduce electricity costs and increase environmental friendliness. Regular inspections of the structural integrity of the parking garages are also part of the long-term plans to ensure safety and maintain infrastructure. "With these measures, we want to meet current requirements as well as improve the quality of life in the city and contribute to municipal services," concludes Thomas Edathy. "I believe certain things should be in municipal hands, and I am happy to do something for the citizens."