The topic of reurbanisation has been the focus of intensive spatial development debate for several years. From one end of the country to the other, it has been seen that cities and university towns, in particular, are (re)gaining inhabitants. Migration – especially long-distance migration – must be viewed here as the central component of the reurbanisation trend. At the same time, there is lively discussion concerning the background, impacts, effects and durability of the phenomenon. This is the context within which the ARL working group has produced this volume, with the aim of providing an overview of reurbanisation tendencies in the towns and urban regions of north-west Germany. Empirical investigation of changes in population structure in selected sub-regions has been undertaken using population and migration data drawn from the official statistics, and the current situation described, analysed and assessed. Spatial variations in the north-west are presented and reurbanisation potentials identified, leading to discussion of the associated opportunities and risks for the development of the built fabric and urban regions. Due to the particular significance of the migration process and its impacts, the papers focus primarily on the dynamic housing market in the towns and cities. The working group consists of experts from academia and practice. Together they have attempted to provide answers to central questions inked to reurbanisation tendencies in north-west Germany, and thus to improve understanding of the processes at work, in particular to provide support for appropriate planning in cities and urban regions. Recommendations for spatial policy and planning are made, and research gaps are identified to contribute towards continued discussion among spatial scientists.weiterlesen