Speyer is planning a radical redesign of the Postplatz – citizens are in demand!

Speyer is planning a radical redesign of the Postplatz – citizens are in demand!

The city of Speyer is planning comprehensive changes to Postplatz, which will be implemented in 2024 with intensive citizen participation. The controversial redesign is met with resistance, particularly from architects and monument authorities.

Stephan Böhm, the architect who was responsible for designing the square in the 1980s, has expressed concerns about the upcoming interventions in the square's structure. These concerns primarily revolve around the replacement of the benches on Maximilianstrasse, which are part of the overall monument that is under protection. In addition, the state monument authority placed the pretzel house on Postplatz under protection, which not only caused the city of Speyer a huge setback in its planning, but also led to a failed objection to this decision.

Current developments and criticism

The planned changes to Postplatz are further complicated by an urban development contract with the operator of the Postgalerie. This contract further restricts the design options on the pitch. A newly constructed podium for an outdoor dining area, which is also part of the redevelopment plans, has sparked concern among politicians and citizens because it may impact safety on the sidewalk.

In 2024, a temporary “climate oasis” with wooden furniture and plants will be set up on Cathedral Square. This measure has met with strong criticism as it is viewed as inappropriate for the location. The city still has to deal with the state monument protection and at the same time will think about permanent city greening.

In order to include citizens and various interest groups in the redesign plans, the city has created a participation concept. This includes several formats, including a youth participation on August 30, 2024, an economic development tour with businesses and residents on September 2, 2024, and a workshop on accessibility on September 9, 2024. A survey on the redesign of the Postplatz will be carried out both online and analogue.

The first steps towards the transformation are planned for 2026, with implementation starting in 2027. The city is also planning a traffic trial to improve the quality of stay and promote climate-friendly transport. However, there has been no progress in this regard due to legal obstacles.

For further details on the citizen participation steps and the plans for the redesign of the Postplatz, citizens can visit the official website of the city of Speyer, where comprehensive information is provided: www.speyer.de.

The discussion about the redesign of the Postplatz and the associated challenges is a central topic for Speyer, which will accompany the city in the coming years, as also stated in an article in Rheinpfalz www.rheinpfalz.de is discussed.