IHK Mittlerer Niederrhein elects new assembly and discusses real estate shifts

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Mittlerer Niederrhein has elected its new plenary assembly for the 2027–2031 term. The assembly, often referred to as the ‘parliament of the economy,’ consists of 70 members, including 36 new representatives and 34 re-elected members. The group represents various industries across Krefeld, Mönchengladbach, Rhein-Kreis Neuss, and Viersen. The assembly will convene early next year to elect its president and eight vice-presidents, and to determine the organization’s budgetary and operational guidelines.

Separately, industry experts at the IHK Real Estate Forum 2026 highlighted significant shifts in the regional property market. Discussions focused on how rising interest rates, construction costs, and sustainability requirements are impacting operations. Experts noted that unsanitized properties can lose up to 50 percent of their value depending on location. Furthermore, over 70 percent of institutional investor capital is now directed exclusively toward buildings with ESG certification. In Krefeld, the closure of two department stores has prompted a task force to explore mixed-use concepts to revitalize urban centers.