No second test phase - city furniture disappears from the city center
Transform-R, originally planned for two test phases, for redesigning public space in the city center of Groß-Gerau. As the magistrate decided on June 26, 2025, the project ends with the first test phase, which ran from March 4 to June 23.
City furniture as an impulse provider - but also a dispute
The aim of Transform-R was to increase the quality of stay in urban space with new city furniture, to redesign traffic areas and to enable more balanced use by various road users. However, the city furniture - including seating islands and plant modules - were discussed controversially. While some found them as an enrichment, others criticized the space distribution and interventions in the flow of traffic.
"I had hoped for more openness for necessary changes," explains Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau. The name "Transform-R" was also too abstract to many. In the future, one wants to communicate complex content more understandable.
Project costs and evaluation
The city furniture did not cause the city of their own costs because they were available as a loan from the State of Hesse. Even if the second test phase is eliminated, the first phase is evaluated by the Goethe University in Frankfurt and the planning office PlannerCietät. Both traffic measurement data and anonymized sales information from traders and numerous feedback from the participation formats are taken into account.
"Over 1,000 analog feedback on the Info-Stele am Sandböhl, plus online surveys, a citizens' workshop, discussions with traders and comments on social media-the participation was diverse," emphasizes Michael Kirschling from the Office for Urban Planning and Building Administration. The evaluation is to be made publicly accessible and the political committees are presented with.
Mobility concept in preparation
Despite the project demolition, the city remains on the subject: The findings from Transform-R should flow into the future mobility concept for Groß-Gerau. Again, a broad citizen participation is planned.
"The challenges in the areas of mobility and urban design are not smaller," said Rüddenklau. "Change is necessary - and how it can succeed, we have to shape that together. We would like to thank you for every little conversation in the neighborhood, on the market or in the city center."
(Gross-Gerau-Red/PSGG)
Contribution picture: Image Copyright: District town of Groß-Gera/Gerd Keim
