After the detonation of Bonn-Center Pile of rubble becomes attraction
Bonn · On Monday, after the demolition, cyclists on the Reuter Bridge were prompted to stop, pulling off their Smartphones. The pile of rubble below them was immense.
It will take up to three months to remove all the rubble, according to Cologne-based investor Art-Invest. Many people who stand at the fence are astonished at how quickly the large power shovels crush the big slabs of concrete into the smallest pieces, while at the same time cutting neatly through the steel. “We are going to stop by every week to see how things are progressing here,” said Bernhard Sass. The 71-year-old from Kessenich had his grandson, Julian (5) with him, who was wide-eyed as he watched the work of the power shovel.
An employee of the demolition company, who wanted to take some pictures from the Reuter bridge, could hardly avoid the questions from passers-by. Most wanted to know what will happen with all the debris. Responding to an official inquiry from General Anzeiger, Thomas Leise from Art-Invest explained, “"The remains of the Bonn Center are separated into concrete and steel. The concrete is crushed and recycled for recycling.” The steel is taken away for separate recycling.
Grandpa Bernhard explains to his grandson that the concrete will probably be reused for building streets. He wasn’t sad to see the big building go, it was an eyesore to him. Karin Becker, on the other hand was a bit sentimental, “I celebrated New Year’s Eve in Bonn Center. My eye doctor also had his practice there.” She hopes now that something will be built there that makes sense.
No specific information on building plans
Until now, Art-Invest has only provided a rough idea of what is to come; three buildings with a total of 70,000 square meters, and a high rise between 60 and 101.5 meters tall. There are also plans for two to three underground car parks, with around 1,000 parking spaces and room for 370 bicycles. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2018, and according to current plans, it would be completed in 2020.
As to the question of whether or not the explosions caused any damage to neighboring buildings, Thomas Leise from Art-Invest said they had no reports of such damages from the blast and that all had gone according to plan. An examination of the scene was carried out on Sunday following the blasts, and also on Monday.
(Orig. text: Lisa Inhoffen)
