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New building set to unite Cologne's historic center

August 20, 2015

The surrounds of Cologne Cathedral are set to be transformed into a new "historic center" of the city on the Rhine. The plans for the redevelopment of the World Heritage site were revealed on Wednesday (19.08.2015).

https://p.dw.com/p/1GJ2B
Köln
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/R. Vennenbernd

Cologne is preparing for a facelift, as the ensemble of the Romano-Germanic Museum, the Cologne City Museum, and the Kurienhaus of the Cathedral are all set to be brought together in one administrative building. All three buildings are in urgent need of renovation. Cathedral director Gerd Bachner explained the planned redevelopment would make 2000 years of history a great deal more accessible, for both citizens and increasing numbers of tourists.

Bachner hopes the new synergy will also carry over and offer a greater cultural and intellectual exchange between the museums, city archives, the Cathedral and the Cathedral libraries.

Mayor Jürgen Roters estimates the construction, which will be built on the site of the former Archbishop's palace, will cost between 100-123 million euro. The city council must first approve the plans before work begins. In 2016 an international architectural competition will be announced and the project is expected to be completed within five to seven years.

ak/ot/jt (KNA)