Hamburg, August 29 – Residents of several buildings on Holstenstrasse in Hamburg-Altona are finally able to return to their homes after weeks of displacement due to emergency demolition work on a neighboring residential building. The district office confirmed that the necessary safety measures have been successfully completed, ensuring the structural stability of the adjacent buildings.
Usage Ban Lifted for Holstenstrasse 199 and 191/193
The usage ban has been officially lifted for residents of Holstenstrasse 199 and 191/193, allowing them to reoccupy their apartments. However, balconies, terraces, and the backyard remain off-limits for safety reasons. Sebastian Kloth, head of the district office, stated, “The required safety measures on the partially demolished building have been successfully carried out and are now completed.” This ensures the structural integrity of the neighboring buildings.
Kloth added, “At the same time, we expect the owner to continue to fulfill their responsibility regarding further measures that must now be implemented.” This includes additional securing of the house entrances.
Temporary Housing for Holstenstrasse 195/197 Residents
For tenants of Holstenstrasse 195/197, the building directly affected by the demolition, a solution was found approximately ten days ago. The Altonaer Spar- und Bauverein eG (altoba) has provided the entire house community with a vacant building in Chemnitzstrasse, less than a kilometer away, for up to two years. This building is also slated for demolition due to new construction plans. Some tenants are expected to move in as early as September, despite recent issues with lead pipes.
Evacuation Due to Severe Defects
The initial evacuation of residents from Holstenstrasse 195/197 occurred on July 23 due to significant structural defects, preventing their return. The same applied to residents of number 199, and two weeks later, to those of 191/193. Massive cracks were discovered in the load-bearing elements of the building at Holstenstrasse 195/197, constructed in 1894.
Demolition work on the rear extension began on August 11. During this process, residents lost some of their belongings stored there, with only a few items later recovered from the rubble.
Timeline of Events:
- July 23: Residents of Holstenstrasse 195/197 evacuated due to severe defects.
- Approximately two weeks later: Residents of Holstenstrasse 199, and then 191/193, also evacuated.
- August 11: Demolition work on the rear extension of Holstenstrasse 195/197 commenced.
- Approximately August 19: Temporary housing solution found for residents of Holstenstrasse 195/197.
- August 28: Safety measures completed; usage ban lifted for Holstenstrasse 199 and 191/193.
The swift action by authorities and the provision of alternative housing underscore the commitment to resident safety and well-being in the face of unexpected structural emergencies. The ongoing cooperation with the building owner is crucial for ensuring long-term safety and stability in the affected area.
Source: https://www.tag24.de/hamburg/lokales/nach-notfall-abrissarbeiten-in-altona-gute-nachrichten-fuer-die-nachbarn-3528079-amp
