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No second test phase – street furniture disappears from the cityscape
The Transform-R to redesign public space in downtown Groß-Gerau, will not be continued. As decided by the city council at its meeting on June 26, 2025, the project will end with the first test phase, which ran from March 4 to June 23.
Street furniture as a source of inspiration – but also a point of contention
The goal of Transform-R was to improve the quality of public spaces with new street furniture, redesign traffic areas, and enable a more balanced use by different road users. However, the street furniture – including seating islands and planting modules – was the subject of controversial discussion. While some saw it as an enrichment, others criticized the allocation of space and the impact on traffic flow.
“I had hoped for more openness to necessary changes,” explains Mayor Jörg Rüddenklau. The name “Transform-R” was also too abstract for many. In the future, they want to communicate complex information more clearly.
Project costs and evaluation
The street furniture incurred no costs for the city, as it was provided on loan by the state of Hesse. Although the second test phase has been cancelled, the first phase will be evaluated by Goethe University Frankfurt and the planning office Planersocietät. This evaluation will take into account traffic measurement data, anonymized sales figures from businesses, and numerous feedback submissions from public participation processes.
“Over 1,000 responses were received at the information kiosk at Sandböhl alone, in addition to online surveys, a citizens' workshop, discussions with business owners, and comments on social media – participation was diverse,” emphasizes Michael Kirschning from the Office for Urban Planning and Construction. The evaluation will be made publicly available and presented to the political bodies for their information.
Mobility concept in preparation
Despite the project's cancellation, the city remains committed to the topic: The findings from Transform-R are to be incorporated into the future mobility concept for Groß-Gerau. Broad public participation is also planned for this process.
“The challenges in the areas of mobility and urban planning are not diminishing,” said Rüddenklau. “Change is necessary – and we must shape how it can succeed together. We are already grateful for every conversation, no matter how small, in the neighborhood, at the market, or in the city center.”
(Gross-Gerau-Red/PSGG)
Featured image: Image copyright: City of Groß-Gera/Gerd Keim
