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Clearing work completed – Next steps at the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Work can now begin on the information center on the eastern slope of the Mathildenhöhe in Darmstadt. Following the completion of the clearing work, preparatory measures for the construction of the information center for the UNESCO World Heritage Site are now starting.
Mayor and Head of Cultural Affairs Hanno Benz thanked the police forces deployed for their calm and professional conduct over the past few days. He also expressed his gratitude to Head of Public Order Paul Georg Wandrey and Head of Urban Planning and Environment Michael Kolmer for their support in implementing the resolutions passed by the City Council.
At the same time, the mayor acknowledged the largely peaceful protest on the eastern slope. However, the discovery of an empty propane gas cylinder studded with nails clearly crossed the line of legitimate protest.
Long-standing decision with democratic legitimacy
The decision to establish an information center was made back in 2016 – even before the Mathildenhöhe was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since then, the project has been planned with expert input and further developed with the participation of the World Heritage Advisory Board and ICOMOS.
According to the city, the project is supported by a large majority of the city council. An alternative cultural center was not included in the original plans.
Perspective for OHA eV and the cultural scene
With regard to the OHA eV initiative, the city emphasized its willingness to cover the costs of relocating the Main Hall, amounting to approximately €70,000. The aim is to reach a contractual agreement, while ensuring equal treatment for all cultural organizations.
The Pallaswiesen and Morneweg districts are being mentioned as a new location for the cultural scene.
Accessible information center as a "gateway to the World Heritage Site"
The planned information center will be designed to be barrier-free, compact, and functional. It will bring together services, orientation, educational programs, and infrastructure in one location and is aimed particularly at school groups, international visitors, and people with mobility impairments.
Furthermore, stronger tourist connections with other World Heritage sites such as the Messel Pit and Lorsch Abbey are being sought.
Further preparatory work is scheduled for next week. This includes excavating test pits to examine the foundations, reinforcing the area with gravel, and installing a crane. The dismantling of the main hall is expected to be completed by March 20th.
Further information is available online from the Mathildenhöhe Institute at www.mathildenhoehe.de .
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/ho)
