Appraisal procedure

The design approach for upgrading the Straße der Nationen with the proposal for a development on the edge of the Stadthallenpark has dominated the discussion to date and caused controversy.
While the majority are critical of a partial development, representatives of the business and retail sectors see the proposal as a real opportunity to revitalise and link the city centre beyond Brückenstraße.

The winning design envisages a development in today's Stadthallenpark, which is a listed building together with the Stadthalle. Why should the park be built on, at least in part? Why is this necessary?

One of the important tasks in the further development of the city centre is to develop the city centre in the direction of Brühl. This will only be possible if the "blockade" of Brückenstrasse and the so-called "Parteifalte" can be overcome. However, this requires a higher quality of stay in the Stadthallenpark area. The park itself is a distance area. But what a city needs is visual guidance to connect the individual neighbourhoods with each other.

In the winning design, three flexible zones with shops and access to the upper floors are located on the ground floor of the peripheral development. Spacious passages thus link the Straße der Nationen with the Am Roten Turm park. In order to emphasise the desired urban planning direction, the Park Am Roten Turm is thus opened up visually towards the north in the direction of the Karl Marx monument. The jury welcomed the careful integration, which benefits both the park with outdoor catering and the Straße der Nationen with retail outlets. However, the changes to the substance of the park should be kept to a minimum. The present design is an initial idea; its realisation requires sensitive detailed planning.

The quality of the park is recognised. It is used by everyone for recreation and events.

The park is undoubtedly part of the city centre ensemble and is very popular. It also undoubtedly has an important function for people spending time in the city centre. It is therefore necessary to treat the existing structure with great care. However, there is agreement on this with all those involved. Nevertheless, the prize-winner's design approach is the right one. With a sensitively planned building, the pedestrian frequency on the Straße der Nationen can be significantly increased. If the Brückenstraße is skilfully designed, this can also attract more pedestrians to the adjoining section of the Straße der Nationen.

An important argument in the reactions to the design was that city centres are more than just retail. Can't the increase in pedestrian traffic on the Straße der Nationen be achieved without this development?

Of course, the city centre cannot be seen solely as a retail or commercial location. The city centre is the town hall, the market, theatre, education and art - and it is also a public space, park, etc. But the fact remains: The city centre needs the retail trade, but the retail trade does not necessarily need the city centre. Currently, only 11 to 12 per cent of Chemnitz's total retail space is located in the city centre. The majority is in the outskirts.

Comparable cities have twice as much retail space in the city centre. Certain sectors are still underrepresented in the city centre. And this requires appropriate space, which must be offered in the main circulation areas. And this essentially includes the Straße der Nationen.

Various suggestions from residents were put forward for the further development of the design for the peripheral development of the park. For example, it was suggested that the adjoining carriageway and part of the footpath be removed in order to reduce the impact on the park, or that selective buildings be constructed on the Red Tower and on the corner of Straße der Nationen and Brückenstraße instead of the bar-like perimeter development. This would upgrade the Straße der Nationen and at the same time keep the park open to the street.

The jury welcomed the careful integration of the proposed structure, which would benefit both the park (outdoor catering) and the Straße der Nationen (retail). The changes to the substance of the listed park should be kept to a minimum. The realisation requires sensitive detailed planning of the building structure and the areas to be used, and a feasibility study is first required in order to be able to precisely determine the conditions of a peripheral development of the park and its effects. This can examine the development, minimisation of interference in the Am Roten Turm park, compatibility with public transport requirements and the need to redesign the Am Roten Turm park - also independently of any new building that may be classified.

The question is raised as to what and who should move into the new building? All major retail chains would already be in the city centre, whether drugstores, clothing stores or food markets.

The city of Chemnitz's 2011 retail and centre concept included statements on which retail chains are represented in Chemnitz city centre and which are not yet. This study has shown that there is still potential for new businesses in the city centre. In addition, Chemnitz has a high retail centrality, i.e. a higher turnover is realised compared to the demand of its own population. Chemnitz is therefore definitely a shopping city for a larger market area. Its proximity to the Czech border also plays a role here.

Citizens are of the opinion that the goal of attracting more passers-by to the Straße der Nationen could be achieved by opening up the shops on the ground floor of the Galerie Roter Turm to the public space, especially the Straße der Nationen.

The city administration and representatives of the inner-city economy (including Interessengemeinschaft Chemnitzer Innenstadt e.V.) are aware of this deficit and have discussed it several times. However, the measures can only be implemented by the owner of the Galerie Roter Turm together with its tenants. Unfortunately, the owner has so far set other priorities, so that the demands for greater opening of the gallery and the neighbouring shops to the public space have not yet been implemented. However, this remains an important area for action to strengthen the retail location of Straße der Nationen. Realisation would certainly have a better chance if the walkway towards Brückenstraße were to be further developed, including the proposed peripheral development at the park.

Instead of building new buildings, the potential should be utilised. A concept for revitalising the city centre must set other, new priorities. What already exists must be utilised consistently, prices must be lowered - by the landlords of the shops, by the city for the use of outdoor areas in front of the shops and for parking.

The process of revitalisation is certainly multi-layered. However, it is not easy to intervene in the mechanisms of the market economy. Prices are regulated by supply and demand. The city can only play a supporting role here, for example by having expert reports drawn up (retail and centre concept, potential study for the inner city development areas), in which the framework conditions, opportunities and potential for certain developments, uses, sectors etc. are shown.

Implementation must be carried out through private commitment; this applies to both existing buildings and new construction projects. The city is responsible for public spaces. Here, supportive investments can be made in the quality of stay. And there is also room for manoeuvre to be explored in the management of the areas.