Surveys
Citizen survey on the multifunctional hall analysed
In the period from 15 August to 8 September 2024, a total of 2,146 citizens took part in the online survey on the new multifunctional hall in Chemnitz. The survey was conducted via the city's participation portal.
Of those surveyed, around 68 per cent regularly attend the home games of the Niners Chemnitz basketball team. Almost a third of these regular visitors hardly ever miss a game.
More than half of those surveyed also visit the exhibition centre for larger events such as concerts and trade fairs.
The evaluation revealed the following:
What is missing at the fair?
The lack of atmosphere, inadequate catering options and poor public transport connections were identified by respondents as the weak points of the exhibition centre.
Assessment of the city centre location
Opinions on the city centre location are divided: 53% see the good connections and the positive effect on the city centre as advantages. In contrast, 46 per cent fear traffic congestion and a lack of parking spaces.
Accessibility
The car is currently the preferred means of transport to get to the games, with a share of 51 per cent. This would change if the venue were located in the city centre: 38% of visitors could imagine switching to public transport, cycling or walking. In order to strengthen this trend, respondents call for improved public transport timetables and connections, especially in the outskirts of the city. They also suggest integrating the public transport ticket into the admission price for events
Revitalisation of the city centre
Visitors to the new hall have clear ideas about an attractive offer in the city centre. Around 68 per cent would use catering facilities before or after a match. They would like to see greater variety, longer opening hours and good value for money. In the retail sector, they would particularly like to see smaller shops offering high-quality, modern fashion.
Supplementary uses on and in the hall
In addition to the improvements mentioned for the area surrounding the hall, residents would like to see the following uses within the hall:
- Sports use: 53 per cent of respondents were in favour of the hall being used for school and club sports.
- Culture and events: 56 per cent would like rooms for cultural events.
- Gastronomy and retail: In addition to the gastronomy on the Straße der Nationen, 37 per cent would like to see themed gastronomy within the hall and 45 per cent a specialised retail outlet, such as a fan shop.
Connection to the neighbourhood
Around 65 percent of respondents were in favour of a connection to the city centre and Brühl. Ideally, the main entrance to the new multifunctional hall should be located on the Straße der Nationen. The following suggestions were made to increase the attractiveness of this important traffic artery:
- Revitalisation through gastronomy: A diverse gastronomy scene could turn the Straße der Nationen into a lively meeting place.
- More greenery: Generous greenery would significantly increase the quality of the area.
- Traffic calming: A speed limit of 30 km/h to promote the quality of life and encourage pedestrian and cycle traffic.
Results
What happens next?
The city of Chemnitz commissioned the renowned planning office Albert Speer + Partner (AS+P) to prepare a feasibility study. AS+P has extensive experience in the planning of multifunctional halls and has already successfully realised numerous projects of this type. The office has also worked successfully for our city in the past and is therefore familiar with the local particularities.
By spring 2025, the feasibility study will analyse how a multifunctional hall fits into the existing cityscape in terms of urban planning and architecture. The traffic connections and effects will also be analysed in detail. In addition, it will be clarified which additional uses such as concerts, sporting events or cultural uses can ensure the economic sustainability of the hall. The aim is to develop a comprehensive concept that fulfils both urban planning and economic requirements.
The suggestions from the online survey will be carefully analysed in AS+P's feasibility study and incorporated into further planning.