Expanded Transit Plan for Gladbach's City Center: Promoting Greener Environmental Impact and a Harmonious Atmosphere, Reducing the Number of Buses and Advancing to Phase 2
In the heart of Cologne, Germany, a transformative redevelopment plan is underway to improve the urban living experience. The focus is on enhancing green spaces, increasing tree plantings, and expanding pedestrian zones in the areas surrounding Sonnenhausplatz, Hindenburg Street, Marktstieg, An der Stadtmauer, and Kapuzinerstraße.
Green Spaces
The plan aims to introduce new small parks and green pockets to improve environmental quality and provide residents with accessible recreational areas. These green spaces are designed to contribute to urban biodiversity and help moderate microclimates in the dense city environment.
Tree Plantings
A significant number of trees will be planted along streets such as Hindenburg Street and Kapuzinerstraße to create shaded walkways, reduce urban heat, and improve air quality. The new greenery will be selected for their suitability to urban conditions and their ability to foster a pleasant pedestrian experience.
Pedestrian Zones
To prioritize pedestrians, certain streets including parts of Marktstieg and An der Stadtmauer will be transformed or expanded into pedestrian-friendly zones. This includes narrowing or removing vehicle lanes, enhancing paving quality, adding benches, and installing street lighting to create safe, attractive, and accessible environments for walking, socializing, and local commerce.
Integrated Urban Design
The redevelopment seeks to integrate these elements cohesively, ensuring that green spaces and pedestrian zones connect seamlessly with the daily life of residents and businesses. This aims to foster a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere while promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Key features of the plan include a barrier-free path to the museum, basalt lava plates along the road edges, and tactile guide elements to ensure barrier-free accessibility. Seven trees, planting boxes, and smaller flower beds will break up the monotonous gray paving.
The redevelopment of the city center and the neighboring district of Westend is part of the urban development funding program "Social City Gladbach and Westend", with around 100 million euros in funding over two phases. The construction of the passage to the Abteiberg Museum is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
The measures for the Sonnenhausplatz are intended to improve water drainage during heavy rain and reduce the intense heating of the square on hot days. The road surfaces will retain the typical cobblestone paving of the old town. Eighteen new, site-appropriate trees will permanently green and shade the Sonnenhausplatz.
The upper Hindenburg Street is set to become greener due to the relocation of bus traffic to the Steinmetz/Viersener Street axis, decided in 2023. A current urban planning competition is ongoing for the redesign of these streets, including Johann-Peter-Boelling-Platz.
Approximately 9 million euros have been allocated for the measures, with 80% coming from funding. Demolition of several buildings on Hindenburg and Krichel streets began in June, focusing initially on interiors. A preview of the planned redesign of the Sonnenhausplatz has been available since early 2024, with 20 deciduous trees in pots placed there. The streets will be designed to be level and a 20 mph speed limit will be introduced. Historic-style lampposts will be installed for illumination.
The redevelopment plan reflects Cologne's broader goals of climate adaptation, improving urban greenspace, and enhancing quality of life in historic neighborhoods through thoughtful, sustainable redevelopment. If you are interested, specific details or the timeline for the project steps are available upon request.
In alignment with the urban development plan, new green spaces and small parks are projected to be integrated within the neighborhoods surrounding Sonnenhausplatz, Hindenburg Street, Marktstieg, An der Stadtmauer, and Kapuzinerstraße to improve the environmental quality and offer attractive recreational areas. Additionally, trees will be planted along Hindenburg Street and Kapuzinerstraße to establish shaded walkways, combat urban heat, and enhance air quality, while pedestrian zones will be established or expanded in certain areas such as parts of Marktstieg and An der Stadtmauer to prioritize walkability and create welcoming environments for locals and businesses.
