Economic Development in Dinslaken: Impulses in February 2026

Economic Development in Dinslaken: Impulses in February 2026

In February 2026, Dinslaken focused on key steps to strengthen economic development. The Committee for Economic Promotion, City Marketing, and Tourism met on February 26, 2026, and laid the foundation for a variety of initiatives aimed at revitalizing the retail sector, advancing industrial development, and further developing tourism. At the same time, the city set impulses in the area of infrastructure, particularly with regard to planned hydrogen expansion.

Open Sundays: Supporting Retail

One of the central topics of the committee was the ordinance on open Sundays in Dinslaken-Mitte and Dinslaken-Hiesfeld for 2026. The ordinance was passed with 14 votes in favor, one vote against („Die Linke“), and no abstentions. The planned dates in Dinslaken-Mitte are:

• April 19: Dinslaken Bicycle Spring
• May 31: Wine & Enjoyment DIN Days
• August 30: DIN Days
• October 4: Craft Beer Festival
• December 13: Advent at the Castle

In Dinslaken-Hiesfeld, an open Sunday is planned for September 27 for the village festival. Opening hours are from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The ordinance is based on § 6 of the North Rhine-Westphalia Shop Opening Act (LÖG NRW) and serves the public interest, particularly the revitalization of city centers and the support of local retail. The city emphasizes that these measures, in combination with events, should provide additional impulses. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce Lower Rhine (IHK Niederrhein) and the Retail Association NRW (Handelsverband NRW) support the initiative, while unions such as Ver.di and the DGB express concerns, as they see the leisure time of retail employees as limited.

MCS Site: Development of a Central Industrial Location

Another central topic was the planning status of the MCS site. With an area of 8 hectares, the site offers great potential for businesses liable to business tax and job creation. The goal is to develop a sustainable and modern industrial area that is not only economically, but also ecologically and socially compatible. The city plans to build a site image, create attractive pedestrian connections, and improve the urban climate. A cost-benefit analysis is a prerequisite for inclusion in the Budget Security Concept (HSK measure).

Hydrogen Infrastructure: Future Technology in Focus

Dinslaken is also active in the development of hydrogen infrastructure. Thyssen Gas GmbH plans to build new hydrogen pipelines, including the H2 pipeline Voerde-Walsum (8.4 km) and the H2 pipeline Dorsten-Hamborn (39–42 km). The planning approval procedures are underway, and stakeholder discussions as well as local information events are planned. Commissioning and reclamation are scheduled for the end of 2027. These projects underline Dinslaken's position as a pioneer in the energy and industrial transition.

Tourism: Strengthening through Digitalization and Events

In the area of tourism, Dinslaken is focusing on digitalization and experience offerings. The EFRE project „Erlebnis.Niederrhein 4.0“ promotes sustainable leisure offers and the development of digital information kiosks as well as QR codes for tourist information. The city is also involved in the coordination of IGA 2027 and is working on an experience site development plan. Overnights are increasing slightly: 43,111 overnights were recorded in 2025, a 4.4 % increase compared to 2024.

Outlook: Growth through Networking and Innovation

The measures of February 2026 show that Dinslaken is consciously focusing on innovation and networking. By implementing open Sundays, investing in industrial infrastructure, and launching tourism initiatives, the city not only aims to strengthen retail but also to secure jobs and enable economic growth. At the same time, the city remains sensitive to social and ecological aspects – a decisive factor for long-term competitiveness in the region.