Bonn central train station New proposal for public area in front of train station
Bonn · The Bonn city administration is proposing an alternative to previous plans for the public area in front of the Bonn central train station. A new version would have two sets of stairways with different entrances and exits.
The city has come up with an alternative for the controversial stairs proposed for the Bonn central train station. Investors think they are conceivable. Version 3, as the administration calls it, would look like this: There would be two sets of stairways with different entrances and exits. "Those coming from the subway can either take the stairs to Poststraße to the left or the escalator to the right to the train station," explained deputy spokesperson Marc Hoffmann. The version would allow more space for commuters on the sides but the links between Maximilian Center (southern development) and Urban Soul (northern development) would be more limited. Fire protection authorities would still need to approve this version.
Version 1: Until now, both Ten Brinke and "Developer", the project developers for the northern area, had preferred a joint entrance and exit for outdoor steps and escalator close to the foyer of the main station. This was not enthusiastically received by local politicians but it is still the preferred version of the builders. One key issue to be considered is the placement of the entrances and foot traffic for the stores that will be opened in the complex.
Developers consider Version 2 unacceptable because it would reduce the frequency of retail business in the “Lifestyle Haus” and is in their view, not possible. A Version 4 would likely not receive approval in terms of fire safety and escape routes.
Version 5 is a variant on Version 1 but Ten Brinke said the stairway placement would lead to a considerable loss of foot traffic at the Maximilian Center.
Lord Mayor Ashok Sridharan wants to present the advantages and disadvantages of the different versions on Wednesday in a meeting with politicians, members of the community of the physically impaired, and the traffic forum. Investors are pressing for a quick decision because construction work on the northern development is due to begin in autumn.
(Orig. Text: Philipp Königs)
