Freiheitsplatz Hanau
Documentation of the latest redesign 2012-2015
Freiheitsplatz in Hanau (literally translated: freedom square) was the largest square in the city until the end of 2011. Then the major reconstruction project "Hanau baut um" began.
This article, and the photos, is for everyone who used to call Hanau home. People who were stationed here in the 1950s, 60s or later, and those who were born in Hanau and now live abroad.
Enjoy!
This is what Freiheitsplatz looked like as far back as I can remember, and until January 2012. The car park with beautiful trees on one side, and the bus station on the other. Admittedly, the bus station looked rather run down, this was the only fact about Freiehitsplatz I didn't like. The square was lined by small shops, cinemas, cafes and eateries. The milk bar was a favourite place when I was a teen, back in the late 60s. Des anyone remeber the milk bar?
Here's a short look further back in history
Originally, there was only a small place near the city gate between the old town and the Hanauer Neustadt. From 1768 to 1779, during a major redesign, the fortification walls between the "old" and "new" Hanau were torn down, and the trenches were filled. As a result, a large place was created, which was commonly known as "The Parade" at that time.
It was divided into two parts. The tree-lined Esplanade in the west was for people to stroll around, while the eastern part of the place was lined by an authority's building. This part was used by the military for parades, hence the name.
The above pictures were provided by the Hanau history society, they were on the tarpaulin that covered the site fence. There were also information boards on top of the viewing platform. It was nice to learn about the history of that place while major work was done again.
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Journal of the huge changes at Freiheitsplatz Hanau
I can't remember when the discussions began that Hanau needs changes to become attractive for visitors again (=increase shopping). It was a long process. Several investors submitted their proposals, several groups of citizens opposed the plans. But finally, it was decided that the "Forum" will be built. A huge shopping centre plus a cultural section with the public library, and other educational and cultural institutions. The "Hanau baut um" project was on its way.
It was a really a shock to see that bare, desolate place without any trees. That was indeed not an attractive place! The sole survivor really made it through 3 years of building activities. It is now surrounded by three buildings of the shopping centre.
I've got no idea what this device is called, but it was impressive to see how it "ate up" the house, bit by bit.
This department store was opened in 1929 by the Hermann WronkerAG. The Jewish owners were forced to sell the house in 1934, it then was named Hansa. Later the store became Hertie, and finally Karstadt, until it was closed in 2010.
A viewing platform was errected to enable curious citizens to have a look over the site fence. I admit, I used it quite often. And see, the tree is still alive, fenced in, so none of the big machines can hurt him.
The Archaeological excavations took slightly longer than planned, but it was quite fascinating to see bits and pieces of the old fortification, just a little below today's asphalt.
Winter in early 2013 was a bit harsh, we even had snow again in March. So not too much happened at the building lot. The foundation work took ages, it was quite boring from a fotographer's point of view.
Finally, during 2014, one could see progress! And look, the lonely tree really survives, as you see in the top left picture. Top right is one of the new platforms at the adjacent bus station. Of course, the ramshackle bus hub was rebuilt as well.
It is unbelievable how fast the five buildings grew during the year 2014!
Finally! On 10. September 2015 Forum Hanau was opened. With more than 90 shops and a sales area of 22.500 qm, it is one of the largest shopping centres in the region. The modern public library invites book worms to use the services from Monday to Saturday.
Believe it or not, the tree in the left picture is the "sole survivor" I mentioned earlier on this page. He really made it through all the hassle.
I really like the city square, it is full of life, especially in summer. I can tell you kids love the fountain. The new bus station is also a huge improvement.
The shopping centre? It is too big, to much concrete, too many shops. You see, I am not a keen shopper. :)
So I hope you like the photos, and perhaps you are happy to have such a large shopping centre to go to when you come to the new Freiheitsplatz in Hanau.
