The green-red coalition in the town hall wants to designate its first large pedestrian zone outside the old town. Weißenburger Strasse in Haidhausen between Weißenburger Platz and Pariser Platz will be off-limits for cars in the future. Cyclists should be allowed to ride at walking pace. “More space for pedestrians and cyclists, a better quality of life on the streets and better opportunities for local trade and catering”, that’s what the Greens and SPD want to achieve with it.
Weißenburger Strasse is one of the central shopping streets in the east of Munich. As an axis in the so-called French Quarter, it connects the Ostbahnhof with Weißenburger Platz. A heavily used pedestrian zone already leads from there to Rosenheimer Platz. Shops are located on both sides of Weißenburger Strasse. Parking spaces are designated in front of each, which are free in the evening for residents with a parking permit.
The coalition does not want to hesitate long with the conversion. Temporary renovations are expected to begin early next year. “With its wide range of gastronomic and commercial offerings, good greenery and places inviting you to relax, Weißenburger Straße is particularly suitable for this,” said the Greens and SPD. A test phase should run until the summer holidays of 2023, after which the final design should begin.
While Weißenburger Strasse is to be closed to cars, the cross streets (Metzstrasse and Pariser Strasse) at the ends of the new pedestrian zone will remain open. The same applies to the further course to Ostbahnhof. According to the coalition, the mobility department should work out “adequate solutions with the participation of local tradespeople and residents” for delivery traffic and other access permits. The pedestrian areas in the old town could serve as a model. Residents who want to drive into underground car parks or backyards should be given “appropriate time windows” for this.
With the new pedestrian zone “we are fulfilling a long-cherished local wish,” said SPD parliamentary group spokeswoman Anne Hübner. It is important to her that this model project outside the center is accompanied by “close citizen participation”. The wishes of local residents and tradespeople would have to be taken into account. According to the announcement, the Greens and SPD want to “take another step closer to the goals of the traffic turnaround” with the conversion.
The pedestrian zone in the old town is already being continuously expanded, and there are concrete plans for the valley. Now the redistribution of public space is also to be carried into the city districts. “We want to create lively, attractive neighborhoods away from the city center,” said Green Party leader Mona Fuchs. Decentralized pedestrian zones could become “a kind of village center” where residents and visitors meet. “With flower beds, modern outdoor furniture, shading options in summer and the outdoor areas of the restaurants, the Weißenburger Strasse pedestrian zone will become the new center of Haidhausen.”