Redesign & conversion of Oberer Torplatz
What - Why - When
Background to the measure
In brief: Thanks to several funding programs, the city of Hof can make large investments in the city center with the aim of improving the quality of stay for the people of Hof. Ludwigstrasse is to be more closely linked to the old town so that the shopping city is perceived as a whole inner city center. Climate resilience is also a priority in the design of the square.
Since 2022, construction work has been in the first implementation phase, which will last until 2024. The aim is to redesign the Obere Torplatz, which acts as a central hub between the old town and the new town as well as Poststrasse and Rähmberg. The two shopping areas will be better connected thanks to a smooth transition, uniform flooring and accessibility.
A new urban space
What is being done?
The new Obere Torplatz will be an urban space with a high quality of life in the city center of Hof. To this end, the area is being reorganized and the functions of staying, playing and staging are being given special weight. The square is also being designed with climate resilience in mind and is intended to provide shade in summer.
For example, the square will be given new floor coverings, a spacious staircase and several new urban trees. In addition, some play equipment will be installed, a stage will be created and a self-cleaning public toilet will be built. The area can continue to be used for catering by the adjacent café and offers space for seasonal festivities and markets.
The measure is being supported by the Bavarian urban development program - special program "Revitalizing inner cities" - with funds from the Free State of Bavaria.
Construction schedule
How did / does it work?
July 2022
Start of construction work for the relocation of the utility lines (sewer, water, electricity)
April-May 2023
Clearing the site, ground work, laying cables and pipes, foundation work
May-July 2023
WC facility foundations
June 2023
Edging stepping stone stage and play area
July 2023
Paving work slab carpet
July-August 2023
Woodwork enclosure
August - September 2023
Playground area stepping stone play Surfacing work stepping stone stage
September-November 2023
Installation of equipment elements (e.g. play equipment), vegetation work, tree planting
December 2023
Opening
Who is promoting here?
These measures are supported by the Bavarian urban development program - special program "Revitalizing inner cities" - with funds from the Free State of Bavaria. The total costs amount to 1,553,000 euros. Of this, 80 percent, 1,156,000 euros, will be subsidized by the urban development program. The city of Hof's own contribution therefore amounts to 397,000 euros.
Quality of stay is the goal
Experienced planners on board
Back in 2019, a jury of experts, which included Hof's retail sector, selected the architectural firm "adlerolesch", based in Nuremberg and Munich, as the winner of the city of Hof's architectural competition for the new design and redesign of the hinge between the old town and Ludwigstrasse and Karolinenstrasse. The redesign of Oberer Torplatz, which is currently in the first construction phase, is also being overseen by these architects. A central hub for the areas of Altstadt, Neustadt, Poststrasse and Rähmberg will be created there. This will ensure that the plans and concepts also have an internal connection. After all, they come 'from a single source'.
Mayor Eva Döhla: "We are delighted to have adlerolesch at our side as a specialist planning office that will accompany us on our way to making the city fit for the future and even more liveable. For example, we want to increase the proportion of green spaces and take climate aspects into account. The city should be an inviting place to stroll, store and enjoy, and that is only possible with a quality of life on site."