Planten un Blomen and hardly any investment: Criticism from the Left
Despite technical facilities, some of which date back to the pre-war period, Hamburg's Planten un Blomen park hardly needs any investment, according to the Senate. In 2021, more than 1.2 million euros had been registered to expand the park, pave an ice rink and renovate a teahouse. According to a Senate response to a question from Left Party MP Stephan Jersch, only 46,000 euros were still due for the further renovation of the teahouse in the Japanese Garden in 2022. For 2023, only 25,000 euros in "climate funds" were requested for a small electric truck.
The technology and structural elements of Planten un Blomen mainly date from the 1960s and 1970s, but some are even older. "Some parts of the technical equipment, such as parts of the medium-voltage power line in the Planten un Blomen area, date back to the pre-war years," explained the Senate.
Jersch suspects: "Only what is visibly falling apart is being replaced, while a large part of the technology is around 70 years old, but there are no regular renewal plans for it." The environmental policy spokesperson for the Left Party in the parliament warned: "The risk that significant parts of the technology will fail is increasing from year to year." For a realistic picture of the situation, a general overhaul and a concrete estimate of the technology's lifespan are needed.
The responsible district office in Mitte takes a more differentiated view of the situation. First of all, it emphasizes the successful renovations of recent years. The water playground, the sound and light system of the water light organ and the ice rink are in good condition. This also applies to the extension area of the park on Marseiller Straße and most of the planting areas.
However, much remains to be done, for example with playgrounds, paths and buildings. "In particular, however, the supply and disposal pipes throughout the park, the water basins, the Seeterrassen café, the music pavilion and the administration and building yard buildings on St. Petersburger Straße are outdated and in urgent need of renovation," explained a spokeswoman for the district office.
There is a major leak at Parksee and the supply line, which is currently being investigated. The damage is to be repaired as quickly as possible so that the waterlight organ can be played again next summer. The colorful water light shows with music attract many Hamburg residents and tourists on summer evenings.
In addition, the urgent renovation of all water basins and water technology is to be initiated by an expert opinion. At the same time, the music pavilion and the Seeterrassen café are to be renovated - work has already begun. A pumping station at the civil court building will also be renovated next year.
The Café Seeterrassen in the middle of the park, which has been vacant for more than three years, was sold by Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC) to the Mitte district authority at the end of June. The mold-infested café was built in the early 1950s and was actually due to be demolished. This was met with criticism from conservationists.
The origins of Planten un Blomen go back to the redesign of Hamburg's ramparts from 1820. The park was given its current name on the occasion of the Lower German Garden Show in 1935. In 1953, 1963 and 1973, the park was the venue for international garden exhibitions.
The natural beauty of Planten un Blomen park, filled with various plants and flowers, is largely untouched and requires minimal investment, as stated by the Senate. Conversely, the park's aging infrastructure, including some elements dating back to pre-war times, necessitates significant renovations and updates to ensure its longevity and functionality.
Source: www.dpa.com
