Mainuferpark Frankfurt

The Main as a waterway contributed decisively to Frankfurt's development into an important trading city. The unique location on the river had to be exploited in terms of urban development; the name "Frankfurt am Main" is
both an opportunity and an obligation. Even today, the planning challenge is to combine evolved structures with modern design approaches and, at the same time, to face up to the responsibility of preserving historical monuments.
Since 1998, Frankfurt's leafy riverside promenades have been renewed and considerably extended. Since then, the "Mainuferpark" has brought life back to the river to which the city ultimately owes its existence.
Frankfurters have rediscovered their Main riverbanks, and they do so in droves, often late into the night. Every running metre of additional riverbank promenade is promptly taken up. Joggers, cyclists, walkers, water sports enthusiasts and pedestrians share the 4 m wide promenade paths. The rediscovery of the lakeside strips almost makes one forget that this urban space had previously been completely neglected for a long time. Now it can be experienced again. The activities of the last few years have allowed the greened shore to grow to a length of approx. 24 km.

Creating identity through the Main embankment
Three developments had to come together so that today one can speak of the feel-good factor Main:
The reclamation of commercial brownfields for urban quarters on the river, the associated securing of the spaces released for green space development and the fundamental renewal of the already existing green system on the Main.
The great development potential of the riverbanks was already recognized in the 1980s - under Hilmar Hoffmann, the Museumsufer was created. A few years later, in 1991, the city council convened the "Consilium Stadtraum Main", a working group of planning offices that was to develop implementation strategies and concepts for urban redevelopment along the river.
The Deutschherrnviertel on the former slaughterhouse site made a start, soon followed by the Weseler Werft, a river port for bulk goods handling that was no longer needed, across the river. Finally, the city abandoned the Westhafen downriver, where office buildings and hundreds of high-quality apartments for all income levels were built in a short time. Deep in Frankfurt's west in Höchst, the former port area with its historic ship's crane, ferry dock and elevated promenade invites visitors to relax and stroll.

Developments since 2012 and in the future
Currently under construction is the Hafenpark. A play and sports park for the entire population with an extensive skate and BMX course, wide meadow areas and a waterfront promenade. In addition, a 300-metre-long and 40-metre-deep riverbank strip directly in front of the European Central Bank will guarantee public accessibility in front of the bank premises.
On the Niederräder Mainufers, the primary aim was to carefully optimise the existing potential from the valuable stock, from what had grown. A river staircase, pontoons and viewing platforms make it possible to experience the river directly.
The listed gem of the Sommerhoffpark directly opposite will undergo redevelopment. A green link along the water will create a direct connection with the new residential quarters of the Westhafen.
The Fechenheimer Mainufer in the Mainbogen is a linking point with the supra-local cycle and hiking paths of the regional park with the city. The viewing platforms created here offer a unique view of the river landscape. There is even a small beach, active rowing and a landing stage.

Depending on the section of riverbank and the planned main focus of use, various cooperation partners and consulting experts were consulted for the planning and assisted by the respective landscape architects. Results from expert opinions in the fields of hydrology, biology and zoology were incorporated into the planning. At the interfaces to the surrounding area, the Regional Association of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Metropolitan Region acts as a cooperation partner.
In cooperation with the City Planning Department, an overall concept for the lighting of the Main riverbank was developed and implemented. Individual sections are put in the right light for the "Luminale" light fair, which takes place every two years.