Expanding greenery and peace, reducing buses - outlined are the additional plans for the heart of Gladbach
The city of Gladbach, Germany, is set to undergo significant changes with the redesign plan for Sonnenhausplatz and Hindenburg Street. This project, part of the urban development funding program "Social City Gladbach and Westend," aims to create a greener, more sustainable, and user-friendly environment.
- New Greenery and Tree Plantings
The plan introduces additional green areas on Sonnenhausplatz and along Hindenburg Street. New tree plantings will increase urban greenery, providing shade, improving air quality, and contributing to a more attractive streetscape. In total, eighteen new trees will be permanently planted in Sonnenhausplatz, and two new tree plantings are planned on each side of Hindenburg Street, creating a continuous design up to the steps from Minto.
- Water Drainage Improvements
To better manage rainwater and prevent flooding, the redesign includes upgraded water drainage systems. This likely involves the integration of permeable surfaces and improved stormwater management infrastructure to enhance infiltration and reduce runoff, making the area more resilient to heavy rain. Measures also aim to improve water drainage during heavy rain and reduce the square's heat island effect on hot days.
- Accessibility Enhancements
The redesign aims to improve accessibility for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and people with mobility impairments. This may involve raised or lowered curbs, tactile paving for the visually impaired, smoother surfaces, and better crossings to ensure safe and easy movement throughout the area. The streets will be designed to be level, with a 20 km/h speed limit, except for a section of Marktstieg street leading towards Viersener Straße, which will remain asphalted with a sidewalk.
The streets of Marktstieg, An der Stadtmauer, and Kapuzinerstraße, along with Johann-Peter-Boelling-Platz, are also undergoing redesign, as part of the urban planning competition. A central element of the plans is a barrier-free pathway to the Abteiberg Museum.
The exact timeline for the other projects will be determined by further planning. Demolition of several buildings on Hindenburg and Krichel Streets has begun, making way for a planned tunnel to the Abteiberg Museum. The redesign of the passage to the Abteiberg Museum is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
The redesigned Sonnenhausplatz will include perennial beds, ten tree plantings, and seating areas. Historic-style lamp posts will be installed to illuminate the redesigned streets. Seven trees, planting boxes, and smaller flower beds will break up the monotonous gray paving in the redesigned streets.
The building committee has given the green light for the redesign of the area. Around 9 million euros have been allocated for the measures, with 80% covered by funding. The project is part of a larger investment of around 100 million euros in social and urban development projects over two funding phases, with the second phase running until the end of 2027.
The city center and the neighboring district of Westend have been undergoing redevelopment since 2017. The artwork "Donkey's Way" will have a revised design, with the donkeys adopting a new formation along a rainbow-colored spiral line. Twenty deciduous trees have been placed in Sonnenhausplatz since early 2024, and most will be moved to more favorable locations.
In summary, the redesign plan for Sonnenhausplatz and Hindenburg Street in Gladbach aims to create a more sustainable, accessible, and attractive urban environment. The measures prioritise greenery, water management, and accessibility, while maintaining the charm of the old town's traditional cobblestone paving.
- The redesign project also includes incorporating environmental science into the urban landscape by adding perennial beds, tree plantings, and seating areas to create a more inviting and eco-friendly lifestyle in the redesigned Sonnenhausplatz.
- To further enhance the home-and-garden aesthetic of the area, historic-style lamp posts will be installed, providing an attractive lighting solution while complementing the traditional cobblestone paving found throughout the city of Gladbach. Additionally, smaller flower beds and planting boxes will be placed strategically throughout the redesigned streets, contributing to the overall aesthetic and promoting a sense of community and homeliness.
