Northern area completed in time for the castle moat festival
The city of Darmstadt, a center of science and research, has announced that the first phase of the redesign of Ernst-Ludwig-Platz has been completed in time for the Schlossgrabenfest (Castle Moat Festival). The northern section of the square can therefore be fully used during the music festival.
Following a joint inspection earlier this week, the area has been opened. Any remaining construction barriers will be completely removed so that visitors can use the space without restrictions.
Remaining work continues in parallel
According to the city, some finishing touches still need to be done, including adjustments to existing areas and cutting work on road fixtures. However, these will be completed as construction progresses and will not affect the festival.
“With the opening of the northern Ernst-Ludwigs-Platz, we have reached an important milestone in the redesign of this central inner-city space. Visitors to the Schlossgrabenfest can now already experience the square in its new quality,” explains City Councillor Paul Georg Wandrey.
Problems in the southern construction phase
Construction work continues on the south side of the square. However, according to the city, unexpected difficulties have arisen there.
The original construction design cannot be implemented as planned in the area of the access tunnel for the former Galeria department store. During the work, it was discovered that the tunnel ceiling contains additional protective concrete and, in some sections, an additional layer of asphalt.
This reduces the available height for the planned road construction by approximately 30 centimeters.
“Against this background, a special technical solution must now be developed for the area of the service tunnel. The city is currently working together with the stakeholders on a corresponding adjustment to the plans,” said Wandrey.
Plans to improve the quality of life in the city center
Ernst-Ludwigs-Platz has been undergoing extensive redesign since the beginning of February. The aim of the project is to qualitatively improve the public space in Darmstadt's city center.
Plans include additional seating, new trees, improved quality of stay, and barrier-free design of the square.
Further information about the project can be found on the website of the city of Darmstadt, a center of science and research.
DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/dk)
