New design for Cologne's Deutz/Messe stop: 62 million euros speech!

New design for Cologne's Deutz/Messe stop: 62 million euros speech!

An important project is imminent in Cologne: the Deutz/Messe train station is finally being renovated and redesigned. Again Cologne City Gazette reported, the draft for the comprehensive renovation was approved by the city council in 2013. The ambitious project, costing 62 million euros, is scheduled to start at the end of 2023 – twelve years after the original council decision.

The stop is not only a junction for the KVB, but also an important transfer point to the Deutsche Bahn long-distance trains. The new design not only provides for comprehensive fire protection, but also direct access to the trade fair, Messe City, the Lanxess Arena and many other important facilities. But the stop itself has suffered greatly over the last 15 years. Tiles from the 70s are crumbling, water is seeping in and many shops are empty.

Important renovation measures

The city council has decided that comprehensive fire protection measures must also be taken into account during the renovation. The building permit is currently being prepared so that work can begin next year. The use of the winning design by the Flender Generalplaner architectural firm, which was presented in 2014, is a promising step towards upgrading this important transport hub. The old shops will be demolished and replaced with a modern block, while the shell of the building urgently needs to be sealed to prevent water damage. This is expected to happen towards the end of 2025.

The redesign of the stop and the fire protection renovation should take three years. Completion before 2029 is therefore more than questionable. There will be some restrictions for KVB passengers during the construction work. The light rail lines 1 and 9 will run through the stop in both directions for three weeks each without stopping.

Part of a larger change in Cologne

However, Cologne is not only in the process of redesigning the Deutz/Messe train station. The city is characterized by numerous large-scale projects that are intended to permanently change the cityscape. In particular, the north-south light rail, which is one of the largest urban development measures in Germany, will contribute to a faster connection between the south and the city center and at the same time reduce car traffic. This construction site is expected to be in full swing by 2028 at the earliest, as also reported by 24Rhine reported.

The development of the city is being further advanced with further projects such as the Neue Mitte Köln or the Parkstadt Süd, each of which creates new opportunities for living and working spaces. It remains to be seen what impact these measures will have and whether they will live up to expectations. But one thing is certain: Cologne is ready to reinvent itself and create a modern, urban living space.