Expanded transit options and increased greenery in Gladbach's city center, with a decreased emphasis on buses, as part of the continuing development plans.
In the heart of Cologne, Germany, a significant redevelopment project is underway, aiming to transform the Sonnenhausplatz, Hindenburg Street, and the surrounding areas into a more sustainable, pedestrian-friendly urban environment. The project, which is scheduled to commence in Q1 2026, includes a barrier-free pathway to the Abteiberg Museum and a redesign of these streets alongside Johann-Peter-Boelling-Platz.
The key aspects of the plan include increased greenery and landscaping, revitalization of public spaces, traffic and mobility changes, and sustainability initiatives.
Increased Greenery and Landscaping
The redesign will see the expansion of green spaces and the introduction of more trees along sidewalks and public areas. This move is intended to improve air quality and provide shade. Additionally, planting areas and flower beds will be added in public squares to enhance aesthetic appeal and support urban biodiversity.
Revitalization of Public Spaces
The redesign of Sonnenhausplatz will create a more inviting square with seating, playgrounds, and spaces for community events. Wider sidewalks, street furniture, and better lighting will be introduced to encourage social interaction and street life. The area will also feature elements such as bike racks and public art installations to enrich the urban atmosphere.
Traffic and Mobility Changes
To reduce car traffic on Hindenburg Street, traffic calming measures such as lower speed limits, narrowed lanes, or partial pedestrianization will be implemented. The project also aims to enhance infrastructure for bicycles, including dedicated bike lanes, and improve public transportation access and connections.
Sustainability Initiatives
The redesign will incorporate the use of permeable surfaces and improved stormwater management to reduce runoff. Eco-friendly street lighting and sustainable materials in sidewalks and street furniture will be utilised to promote environmental friendliness.
The street surfaces will retain the typical cobblestone paving of the old town, with seven trees, planters, and smaller flower beds breaking up the monotonous gray paving. The demolition makes way for a planned tunnel to the Abteiberg Museum, and basalt lava plates at the road edges and tactile guidance elements will ensure barrier-free access.
The Social City Gladbach and Westend urban development funding program is providing around 100 million euros in funding for social and urban development projects over two phases, with the second phase ending in 2027. The old town streets Marktstieg, An der Stadtmauer, and Kapuzinerstraße are also undergoing redevelopment.
Eighteen new, site-appropriate trees will be permanently planted on the Sonnenhausplatz, and the streets will be designed to be level with a 20 km/h speed limit. Green areas will divide the square into zones and gradually "fade out" the greenery of the Hans-Jonas-Park towards Hindenburg Street.
Demolition of several buildings on Hindenburg and Krichel Streets has begun, focusing on interiors and eventual dismantling of building shells. Twenty deciduous trees were placed in pots in early 2024 as a preview of the planned redesign of the Sonnenhausplatz. The approximately 900 m² area is intended to be an attractive public space with perennial beds, ten tree plantings, and seating areas.
The shift of bus traffic to the Steinmetz/Viersener Street axis, approved in 2023, allows for more greenery on the upper Hindenburg Street. Two new tree plantings are planned on each side of Hindenburg Street to create a continuous design up to the steps from Minto.
Historic-style lanterns will be used to illuminate the redesigned streets, and approximately 9 million euros are earmarked for the redevelopment measures, with 80% covered by funding. The building committee has approved the redesign of the area, making way for a more livable, pedestrian-friendly, and sustainable urban environment in Cologne.
Other aspects of the plan for Cologne's urban environment evolution include the enhancement of the fashion-and-beauty sector by installing public art installations in the redesigned streets and squares. The installation of public art will not only enrich the urban atmosphere but also serve as an attraction for tourists, promoting the city's cultural identity.
In addition, the home-and-garden lovers will appreciate the introduction of new, site-appropriate trees on the Sonnenhausplatz and the planned perennial beds and seating areas in the redesigned area. These green spaces will not only improve air quality and provide shade but also create an inviting and welcoming environment for the community to enjoy.
