Citizens asked: The future of Altona train station is being redesigned!

Citizens asked: The future of Altona train station is being redesigned!

In Hamburg there are big plans for the Altona train station, which is to be extensively redesigned in the coming years. [entwicklungsstadt.de](https://entwicklungsstadt.de/neugestalt-bahnhof-altona-buerger Beteiligung-fuer-zentrum/) reports that a participation process will be launched for this purpose, which will enable citizens to actively contribute their ideas. From July 1, 2025, interested parties can submit suggestions and comments online, which will be incorporated into a task paper for the architecture competition, which will start in autumn 2025.

The renovation of the station is not insignificant - it is expected to cost around 160 million euros. The long-distance and regional train station will be relocated to the new location at Diebsteich, which will open up new opportunities for urban redesign at the current location. The underground S-Bahn station will be retained while the above-ground tracks will be dismantled. The aim is to create a lively and functional district that offers space for new buildings, squares and open spaces.

Architectural competition and citizen participation

The Danish architectural firm C.F. Møller Architects already won the urban development competition for the new Altona train station complex in 2018. The new construction plans envisage a base that brings together all urban functions and two towers that will accommodate hotel and office space. At the same time, these towers are intended to create a sustainable landmark for Hamburg. cfmoller.com also describes the inviting roof pane that is stretched across the new square and acts as a connecting element.

Finance Senator Dr. Andreas Dressel and Senator for Urban Development and Housing, Karen Pein, emphasize the importance of citizen participation. “The opportunity to completely redesign the station is a unique opportunity that we must take advantage of,” said Pein. The architectural competition is intended to produce innovative concepts that include both the development and the design of open spaces and traffic development.

Sustainable urban development

But it's not just the architectural design that is in the foreground, the urban planning concepts are also crucial. umweltbundesamt.de emphasizes that urban development should create lively and livable settlements. The requirements for sustainable urban development include, among other things, consideration of housing needs, the creation of jobs and social and cultural needs. In addition, the aim is to achieve harmony between social, economic and environmental requirements.

The implementation of the structural measures is planned for the early 2030s and is intended to improve traffic flow and generate new living qualities. The entire process, starting with citizen participation through the architectural competition to the actual implementation, aims to make Hamburg a sustainable urban hub. It remains exciting to see what aspects and ideas the people of Hamburg will bring into the planning and how the cityscape at Altonaer Bahnhof will change.