Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel explains the plans: "Last year, in my role as Lord Mayor and then Vice President of the Lower Saxony Association of Cities, I campaigned for an emergency program to save our inner cities, which was then also launched in mid-2021 as the EU funding program "Perspektive Innenstadt!". Our two city centers in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt and Salzgitter-Bad have also suffered as a result of the pandemic. The aim now is to improve the quality and attractiveness of their amenities in order to encourage as many people as possible to stroll, shop and linger. With the construction of two climate-friendly forums in the pedestrian zones of both city centers and the creation of a centrally located and barrier-free toilet facility in Chemnitzer Straße in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt, we are setting clear accents for upgrading the inner-city areas."
Commenting on the financial implications, Klingebiel added: "The costs for all three measures together amount to around 855,000 euros. Thanks to the funding of 90 percent of the total costs, the city will only bear its own share of around 85,500 euros. The Salzgitter City Council will decide on all three sub-projects at its meeting on July 13, 2022. Due to the EU requirement that the final accounts for the implementation must be submitted by June 15, 2023, we will start implementation as soon as possible after the Council's decision."
What is planned in detail?
Climate-friendly forum Salzgitter-Lebenstedt
At the Stadtmonument square, the small pavement around the Stadtmonument is to be renovated and the base of the Stadtmonument cleaned. Medium-sized, weather- and climate-resistant trees are to be planted on the square. The individual planting areas around the trees are to be connected and planted with perennials so that rainwater is better absorbed and native insects can find food there. Solar benches, wooden benches and a drinking fountain are to be installed on site for visitors. The planned total costs for this sub-project amount to around 180,000 euros.
Climate-friendly Forum Salzgitter-Bad
The sub-project covers the area of Schützenplatz and Vorsalzer Straße in Salzgitter-Bad. Weather- and climate-resistant trees and shrubs are to be planted there. Solar benches and bicycle racks are to be installed along Vorsalzer Straße. At Schützenplatz, a roundabout planted with plane trees will provide plenty of shade for visitors. Round wooden benches with backrests are to be built there for seating. In the middle of the roundabout, a special water feature with mist jets will enhance the quality of the visit. The planned costs for this sub-project amount to around 475,000 euros.
Barrier-free WC facility Salzgitter-Lebenstedt
When searching for a suitable location, urban planning aspects, delivery routes and the fire department's turning areas must be taken into account. The only possible location is therefore Chemnitzer Straße at the level of the Gewerkschaftshaus and centrally located in the city center. In order to be able to implement the sub-project quickly, it is proposed that the barrier-free WC facility be procured as a finished module. The design should be based on the façade of the nearby hotel. It is planned to operate the facility as a free unisex toilet with a changing table and automatic seat cleaning. The planned costs amount to around 200,000 euros.