Cologne's Waidmarkt: art projects and subway construction planned until 2032!

Cologne's Waidmarkt: art projects and subway construction planned until 2032!

Something is happening at the Waidmarkt in Cologne! The Cologne transport company (KVB) has big plans for this central location. The subway tunnel is scheduled to be completed by 2031 or 2032, which represents a crucial development for the city as part of the north-south light rail system. Construction work has been in full swing since November last year and progress has already been made, which should please residents and passers-by. A 2.50 meter wide sidewalk will be provided for pedestrians on the west side of the construction site, while a three meter high noise barrier will provide the necessary rest breaks, as the KVB blog reports.

But that's not all: the city of Cologne wants to further develop the square around the Waidmarkt as a lively center of the city. We work closely with citizens' initiatives to develop an appealing urban development concept. This plan is to be implemented in two phases. Mayor Henriette Reker emphasized the importance of the project, with a particular focus on dealing with the memory of the former historical archive. Three art projects, called “Interventions”, are also planned for the years 2026 to 2029.

A place of encounter and remembrance

The specific plans for the Waidmarkt include not only making the space functional, but also enhancing it artistically. Projects with the titles “Magical Realism”, “Open Space Visions” and “The Laboratory at Waidmarkt” are planned, among others. These will each be advertised in a competition and aim to attract the attention of Cologne's population and make the square more commonplace. Günter Otten from the “Archive Complex” initiative noted that many Cologne residents are waiting for visible progress and it is important that citizens are involved in this process.

The challenge is not only the structural redesign, but also how to preserve the memory of the tragedy of the former historical archive, which collapsed 16 years ago, claiming two lives. This problem is a central concern of the city and the initiatives involved.

Future steps and completion

A few steps are still necessary to complete the Waidmarkt. From 2029, a long-term concept will be developed as part of a cooperative workshop process. The final design of the Waidmarkt is scheduled to be completed by 2031, with the Cologne City Council deciding on the next steps at its meeting on July 3rd.

And the construction work on the Waidmarkt still has a lot to do. After dismantling the old road bridge and securing the construction pit, progress is already being made in the construction of the new light rail facilities. Depending on the complexity, up to four years are planned for the construction, but completion could be in sight as early as the end of 2028/beginning of 2029.

So it remains exciting at the Waidmarkt. A small district of Cologne could soon become a lively, inviting center that combines history, art and urban life in an exciting way. If you look at the plans and progress, the city administration seems to have a good hand at revitalizing the old area!

For more information and current updates, it's worth taking a look at the articles from Cologne City Gazette, KVB Blog and City of Cologne.