Waterfront development: Hamburg's latest urban addition by the water's edge
Hamburg's Chief Urban Planner, Franz-Josef Höing, envisions the Grasbrook development as a continuation of the city's architectural identity, maintaining its green and waterfront character. The ambitious project, presented on the 6th of December 2022, is set to transform 47 hectares of land into a vibrant new district, divided into two quarters: Moldauhafen and Hafentor.
The architectural and landscape planning for the Grasbrook development has been entrusted to renowned firms Herzog & de Meuron and Vogt Landscape Architects. The core concept involves a five-hectare park, dense tree planting, green roofs, and green facades, aiming to create a 'green city by the water'.
The Moldauhafen quarter, located in the north, will prioritise living, with a significant portion of the apartments reserved for those in urgent need of housing and at least 35% publicly funded rental units. The quarter will also feature educational facilities, sports and play facilities, and cultural and leisure activities, including a school, seven daycare centers, and various cultural venues.
In contrast, the Hafentor quarter, located in the south, will primarily be for working. Areas for developing and testing new workspaces will be present in this quarter. The Hamburg Hochbahn is extending the U4 line to make the new district easily accessible.
Environment and climate protection are at the heart of the Grasbrook development. Measures include the use of as many recyclable materials as possible in construction, plants on roofs and facades filtering pollutants from the air, and a focus on creating a '10-minute neighborhood' with short smart mobility routes. The neighbourhood will also be supplied with solar energy or geothermal energy.
Three historic warehouse buildings will be preserved in the Grasbrook development, adding a touch of the city's history to the modern development. The renovation of protected historic buildings and the realization of the first new buildings are expected to begin by the end of 2024.
A competitive dialogue for the Veddeler Bridge, a pedestrian and cyclist connection, will start this spring. This bridge will further enhance the connectivity of the new district.
The Grasbrook development aims to create 3,000 apartments, educational facilities, sports, leisure, and shopping opportunities, and 16,000 jobs. By prioritising environment and climate protection, creating a 'green city by the water', and offering a mix of housing and workspaces, the Grasbrook development seeks to show new ways of transforming harbor and industrial areas into urban neighborhoods.
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