Construction site at Hagenmarkt: Café Schmidt is fighting for survival!

Construction site at Hagenmarkt: Café Schmidt is fighting for survival!

The Hagenmarkt in Braunschweig is currently dominated by construction site noise and clouds of dust. This circumstance not only represents a challenge for passers-by, but also has significant consequences for the local gastronomy. Many Braunschweig residents are currently finding it particularly difficult to get to their favorite cafés and restaurants, which Andrea Schmidt, owner of “Teestube & Café Schmidt”, is feeling strongly about. She has been running her café on Hagenmarkt, which is currently severely affected, for 22 years, but the large construction site is making her think about a possible business closure for the first time.

The construction work caused by the search for the remains of historical buildings, such as the medieval town hall or the princely opera house, and the associated archaeological excavations, keeps both visitors and residents on tenterhooks. Access to the café now requires a 200 meter detour and the reduced number of visitors is putting Andrea Schmidt's business in serious financial difficulty. Dirt and noise make a visit to a café not particularly pleasant and do not contribute to an inviting atmosphere.

A look behind the scenes

The measures at Hagenmarkt were initiated by the city, which is trying to redesign the area in the long term. Numerous improvements are planned: around 80 new trees are to be planted, and relaxation areas and play equipment for the youngest citizens are also being planned. The aim is to create a modern and lively cityscape. This redesign could soon develop the Hagenmarkt into a feel-good area that is attractive for both locals and tourists. Klaus Hornung, head of the city's cityscape and monument preservation department, is optimistic about the upcoming excavations.

Still, it remains to be seen how long the period of inconvenience will last for Andrea Schmidt and other business owners. The city spokesman has already contacted the affected business owners and an information session was offered, which Andrea was unable to attend. It remains unclear how long she and her colleagues can hold out.

Urban development in view

The situation at Hagenmarkt is part of a larger trend in urban development. It is important to harmonize different aspects such as settlement structure, traffic and the environment in a long-term concept, because more than just short-term solutions are needed. Sustainable urban planning that aims at quality of life and climate protection is crucial. Citizen participation is becoming increasingly important in order to actively incorporate suggestions from the population into planning.

Finally, it remains to be hoped that the work on Hagenmarkt will progress quickly and the longed-for transformation will soon become visible. Until then, residents and business owners will unfortunately have to live with the view of the construction site.

For more information about the current events at Hagenmarkt and the background to the construction site, read more on News38, t online and CitiesDay.