For various reasons, the project cannot be implemented as originally planned. The administration and the Stadtlücken e.V. association are working on a concept for how the project can be continued with the involvement of the initiatives already active under the Paulinenbrücke.
After a first successful project phase in 2018 and 2019, which was characterized by the voluntary commitment of the association Stadtlücken, material and personnel funds for the project “After-use of the Paulinenbrücke” were decided for the years 2020 and 2021 in the context of the budget deliberations.
Various circumstances now necessitate an adjustment. For example, the Corona pandemic also has an impact on the project. This is based on the idea of a public place for all, which is further developed, among other things, by the meetings of the people on site. These were and are only possible to a very limited extent due to the pandemic. In addition, the construction of the interim fire station under the Paulinenbrücke, which was decided in spring/summer 2020, means that only a partial area of the originally envisaged playable space is available.
Under the current conditions, a project development in the sense of the association would only be conceivable in the area of the roundel. This was temporarily inaccessible due to renovation measures. In addition, fire protection requirements and the need for escape routes may make it difficult to clarify the usability of the area. Ultimately, legal clarification of questions of non-profit status, the legal form of a possible sponsorship, and the tax classification of municipal grants has also led to the administration and the association now discussing an adjustment of the original concept.
In the coming weeks, the city will work with the local stakeholders to find solutions.