New Concept for Hamburg's Harbor Promenade - More Space by the Water - St. Pauli's waterfront gets a €20M community-driven makeover by 2030
Hamburg's St. Pauli harbor promenade is set for a major redesign by 2030. The winning plan, chosen by a jury of politicians, city officials, and community representatives, will transform the Elbe riverfront between Fischmarkt and Landungsbrücken. Early cost estimates for the project stand at €20 million, with flood protection as a key consideration.
The redesign follows the Wunschproduktion initiative by the Park Fiction Committee, which gathered between 700 and 800 suggestions from local residents. Their demands included more open space, sports facilities, better water access, seating areas, and a rejection of further commercialisation or excessive events. The final design reflects these priorities, featuring new trees, seating zones, relaxation spots by the water, skate features, a basketball court, and open areas for football and exercise.
All competition entries will go on public display at the Stadtteilzentrum Kölibri community center from Monday, remaining there for two weeks. The next planning session is scheduled for April 16 at the same venue.
Despite previous citizen-led projects in Hamburg, no other district has successfully completed a comparable Elbe riverbank redesign through public participation. The site will still host major events like Fischmarkt and the annual Hafengeburtstag festival.
The project marks the first time a Hamburg district has carried out an Elbe riverfront redesign through public consultation and competition. With construction planned by 2030, the promenade will balance flood protection, community needs, and event space. The €20 million budget will fund new green areas, sports facilities, and improved waterfront access.
