Osnabrück

Coal was already being mined on the Piesberg in the middle of the 15th century. The colliery closed in 1898 and only residual columns were mined after the end of the Second World War up to 1951. Osnabrück is the regional centre for south-west Lower Saxony and part of neighbouring Westphalia. Many people from the surrounding municipalities work in the city and use it as a shopping and event centre. Its industrial nature makes Osnabrück an important location for the metal and logistic industries. The economic development of the city was jeopardised by the withdrawal of British troops in 2009, as these represented a not inconsiderable economic factor. At the same time, various barracks have been vacated, which promises lucrative development opportunities. For example, the mostly very centrally located areas will be used as out-of-town living or commercial areas and above all as science parks.