Braunschweig's Packhof underground car park: renovation or missed opportunity?

Braunschweig's Packhof underground car park: renovation or missed opportunity?

In the city of Braunschweig, which is known for its car density and high parking space requirements, the Packhof underground car park continues to cause discussions. After over two years of renovation and multiple reports of rising costs and delays, reopening is now expected at the end of July 2025. But the joy about the upcoming opening is accompanied by many critical voices that assess the situation in the underground car park as anything but satisfactory. Loud News38 The main entrance to the underground car park is described as problematic and has developed a reputation as an “eyesore”.

While redevelopment has begun, some residents believe the city has missed an opportunity to improve infrastructure. In particular, the group FRAKTION.BS criticizes the lack of planning regarding electric parking spaces. Current laws require that during major renovation work, at least every fifth parking space should be equipped with charging infrastructure. In this context, 200 electric parking spaces would be required for the Packhof underground car park, which will offer around 1,000 parking spaces. Instead, the city has only provided twelve charging points, which many citizens find inadequate. However, the city argues that the current renovation does not qualify as a “major renovation” under the law and that it can be retrofitted if necessary. RegionalToday highlights, however, that many critics consider this argument to be flawed.

Graffiti and cleanliness

Another point of controversy is the cleanliness of the underground car park. After the renovation, graffiti is still a hotly debated topic. Users on social media emphasize that removing graffiti is of little use as it will quickly reappear. The city has responded to these criticisms and has already commissioned graffiti removal measures, which are scheduled to take place in the first week of September. News38 reports that many Braunschweig residents are wondering whether these measures will be enough to increase the attractiveness of the underground car park.

The discussion about the Packhof underground car park goes beyond mere infrastructure issues; it also touches on deeper issues of urban development and mobility. Given the current debates about parking space and the growing importance of electromobility, it is clear that the city is facing a crucial challenge that needs to be overcome. A well thought-out concept could help to do justice to the mobility transition in Germany, as well as on Reef reporter is emphasized. But until the underground car park reopens, it remains to be seen whether the city will draw the right conclusions from the current criticism and adapt its planning for the future accordingly.