Frankfurt starts massive city centre restoration project
1st February 2012
Plan to restore a whole city quarter to its original medieval style
Ground was broken by the Mayor of Frankfurt recently on what promises to be one of the largest restoration projects carried out by a European city. Approximately 7,000 square metres of land near the Emperor’s Cathedral is being restored on the basis of the original medieval blueprints for the quarter.
Following the destruction of much of its medieval centre during World War II, the city was rebuilt to be much more car-friendly and modern. Before the war, Frankfurt had one of Germany’s largest medieval old towns. Once completed, the restoration will comprise nearly 30 townhouses, eight of which will be exact replicas of their historical predecessors. The townhouses will be a mix of shops, pubs, offices and restaurants on the lower floor and flats above.
The plans have caused controversy with some people as, instead of restoring one or two of the buildings, the whole area will effectively become a building site. However, the majority of the city’s population showed their support at a mass meeting to discuss the plans.
It is hoped that the restoration will boost tourism to the city as people flock to see the much improved city centre.
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