Munich, January 29 – A significant transformation is underway in Munich’s charming Lehel district. The Altstadt-Lehel district committee has almost unanimously approved a proposal to convert a section of St.-Anna-Straße, specifically the stretch between Gewürzmühlstraße and Liebigstraße, into a permanent pedestrian zone. This initiative is expected to considerably improve the quality of life and safety for residents and visitors alike.
Years in the Making: From Construction Site to Pedestrian Paradise
The decision to create a pedestrian zone on St.-Anna-Straße comes after a prolonged period during which the street has already been inaccessible to vehicular traffic. For several years, a construction project at house number 25 has necessitated the closure of this section of the street to cars. While the construction site is soon to be dismantled, the district committee has opted to maintain the car-free status permanently.
Andrea Stadler-Bachmaier, chairwoman of the district committee (Greens), described the move as a “huge upgrade” for the central Lehel area, emphasizing the anticipated improvement in the quality of life for all local citizens. The plan was developed in close collaboration with the local community, including schools, businesses, restaurateurs, and the church community.
What to Expect: Initial Changes and Future Visions
According to the city administration, the official implementation of the pedestrian zone is expected to take approximately six months, due to legally mandated deadlines. Initially, the visual changes will be minimal. Due to budgetary constraints, extensive structural redesigns are not immediately planned. Instead, the new pedestrian zone will be clearly signposted and enhanced with strategically placed seating.
Philippe Louis (Greens), chairman of the Subcommittee for Mobility and Public Space, stressed the importance of establishing the pedestrian zone first. However, he also highlighted the necessity of future structural modifications, such as leveling the different surface heights and ensuring barrier-free access, once the city’s financial situation allows. Louis also suggested smaller improvements, such as sanding and bordering the historic cobblestones, to create optimal conditions for cyclists, individuals with mobility impairments, and parents with strollers.
Community Engagement and Future Celebrations
The district committee plans to celebrate the opening of the pedestrian zone with a public festival. While a definitive date has not yet been set, Philippe Louis expressed optimism that the celebration could take place later this year.
The St.-Anna-Straße, with its elegant access from Maximilianstraße through the archway of the Upper Bavarian government complex, already possesses a certain Italian flair. The cobblestone street, lined with galleries, cafes, and restaurants, exudes a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere. The presence of a primary school and a gymnasium on the street means a significant number of children and young people frequent the area, making the pedestrianization a crucial step towards increased safety.
Broader Implications for Urban Mobility in Munich
This decision for St.-Anna-Straße reflects a broader trend towards traffic calming and pedestrian-friendly urban planning in Munich. The city council has delegated decision-making authority for such localized redevelopments to the district committees, streamlining the process for projects with limited impact on the wider city. This approach allows for more agile responses to local needs and aspirations for urban spaces.
The move is also reminiscent of discussions surrounding other traffic-calming measures in Munich, such as the controversial trial in Weißenburger Straße, which ultimately proved successful in its aim to reduce vehicular traffic and enhance pedestrian experience. The success of St.-Anna-Straße’s transformation could serve as a model for further pedestrianization projects across the city, contributing to a more livable and sustainable urban environment.
Source: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/st-anna-strasse-fussgaengerzone-lehel-verkehrsberuhigung-li.3375653
