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Zollhafen: Historical quay wall on top of the Südmole exposed after more than 40 years
Mainz, November 28, 2011. Stadtwerke Mainz AG is currently clearing the historical top of the Südemole, or southern pier, and the ancient bridgehead from the steel sheet walls within the context of site development for the new urban Zollhafen district. Uncovered after more than 40 years, the basaltic lava stones – originating from the birth of the Zollhafen 120 years ago – appeared to be in surprisingly good condition.
Over a length of around 160 metres, the companies had to conduct complicated tasks both above and under water. They utilised floating pontoon ramps, heavy-duty cranes and other specialised equipment to separate the old steel sheet walls into heavyweight pieces. The discovery of possible residual warfare material in the underground resulted in the complex measures having to be rescheduled on numerous occasions.
Detlev Höhne, the CEO of Stadtwerke Mainz AG said: “Due to the deconstruction of the steel sheet walls we are able the reach multiple goals. On the one hand, the historical face of the harbour entrance becomes visible again, which is essential to reconstruct the authentic image of the harbour. On the other hand, by reconstructing we are creating additional retention space for flood protection purposes.” The works were planned and accomplished in close coordination with the municipal authority for the protection of monuments.
In the context of flood protection, 50% of the reconstruction measure is funded by the European Union within the framework of the INTERREG IV B-Programme (FRC - FloodResilienCity). Stadtwerke Mainz AG is the only German partner participating in the European Project. Other partners include for example Paris, Dublin and Nijmegen. The reconstruction on the Südmole will be finished in November. Damaged spots on the exposed high gravity wall will be restored next spring.
The former container terminal has also been designated within the overall planning of the Zollhafen reconstruction on top of the north mole. Both reconstruction measures are required for the subsequent design of the area; they will enable the Südmole to become one of the most attractive public spaces in the city.
During the final design stage of the Südmole, Stadtwerke Mainz AG will pay special attention to the topic of ‘raising awareness of flood protection’ because the EU-project places a heavy emphasis on awareness. Mr. Höhne referred to this point in his final statement; “With our modern public space concept, we will make sure that the citizens and visitors of the new district are aware of the Rhine and its flooding issues. This will help citizens deal with the risks associated with the Rhine as part of a daily routine and make the right choices in the event of flooding.”
Figure 1: photograph of original state of the Südmole from ca. 1960, source: Stadtwerke Mainz AG
Figure 2: current reconstruction works on steel sheet wall, source: Stadtwerke Mainz AG
Mainz, November 28, 2011. Stadtwerke Mainz AG is currently clearing the historical top of the Südemole, or southern pier, and the ancient bridgehead from the steel sheet walls within the context of site development for the new urban Zollhafen district. Uncovered after more than 40 years, the basaltic lava stones – originating from the birth of the Zollhafen 120 years ago – appeared to be in surprisingly good condition.
Over a length of around 160 metres, the companies had to conduct complicated tasks both above and under water. They utilised floating pontoon ramps, heavy-duty cranes and other specialised equipment to separate the old steel sheet walls into heavyweight pieces. The discovery of possible residual warfare material in the underground resulted in the complex measures having to be rescheduled on numerous occasions. Detlev Höhne, the CEO of Stadtwerke Mainz AG said: “Due to the deconstruction of the steel sheet walls we are able the reach multiple goals. On the one hand, the historical face of the harbour entrance becomes visible again, which is essential to reconstruct the authentic image of the harbour. On the other hand, by reconstructing we are creating additional retention space for flood protection purposes.” The works were planned and accomplished in close coordination with the municipal authority for the protection of monuments.
In the context of flood protection, 50% of the reconstruction measure is funded by the European Union within the framework of the INTERREG IV B-Programme (FRC - FloodResilienCity). Stadtwerke Mainz AG is the only German partner participating in the European Project. Other partners include for example Paris, Dublin and Nijmegen. The reconstruction on the Südmole will be finished in November. Damaged spots on the exposed high gravity wall will be restored next spring. The former container terminal has also been designated within the overall planning of the Zollhafen reconstruction on top of the north mole. Both reconstruction measures are required for the subsequent design of the area; they will enable the Südmole to become one of the most attractive public spaces in the city.
During the final design stage of the Südmole, Stadtwerke Mainz AG will pay special attention to the topic of ‘raising awareness of flood protection’ because the EU-project places a heavy emphasis on awareness. Mr. Höhne referred to this point in his final statement; “With our modern public space concept, we will make sure that the citizens and visitors of the new district are aware of the Rhine and its flooding issues. This will help citizens deal with the risks associated with the Rhine as part of a daily routine and make the right choices in the event of flooding.”
Figure 1: photograph of original state of the Südmole from ca. 1960, source: Stadtwerke Mainz AG
Figure 2: current reconstruction works on steel sheet wall, source: Stadtwerke Mainz AG
