ECB presents outcome of preliminary planning phase for its new premises
Today the European Central Bank (ECB) presented the outcome of the preliminary planning phase for its new premises, which will be built in Frankfurt on the site of the Grossmarkthalle, the former wholesale fruit and vegetable market. During this phase, which paves the way for a detailed planning phase, the architects further modified their design proposal on the basis of the results of the optimisation phase.
This work resulted in the following adaptations in relation to the optimised design:
- In line with the requirements of the historic preservation authorities, the grid structure of the existing concrete facade has been maintained, and the skyscraper and the entrance building connecting the Grossmarkthalle to the skyscraper have been moved to the west, over the part of the building which was rebuilt after the Second World War.
- Several of the envisaged functions of the Grossmarkthalle (e.g. conference, kitchen and restaurant areas) have been reorganised on the basis of historic preservation and space requirements, in particular with regard to the conservation of the concrete grid facade.
- The facade of the skyscraper has been further improved with state-of-the-art solar protection, thus rendering it highly energy-efficient and enabling the use of a more conventional cooling system.
- The landscape design of the site has been redefined and further developed, particularly with regard to the integration of the ECB’s security requirements into the modulated landscape.
- Finally, the top of the skyscraper has been changed in shape. The new slanted roof improves the overall shape and clarity of the building in its urban context and is more energy-efficient.
The ECB will continue to cooperate with the city and state authorities regarding the ongoing process of submitting a request for the necessary building permits, which is expected to be finalised as scheduled by the end of October 2007. Construction is envisaged to start in early 2008, with finalisation foreseen by the end of 2011.
Further information regarding the New ECB Premises project can be found on the ECB’s website at
www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/premises and on the Project website at www.new-ecb-premises.com.
European Central Bank
Directorate General Communications
- Sonnemannstrasse 20
- 60314 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- +49 69 1344 7455
- [email protected]
Reproduction is permitted provided that the source is acknowledged.
Media contacts