Remembering Dortmund’s industrial past. That’s what the Hoesch-Gasometer represents. It stands tall in the Hordel district. The Hoesch-Gasometer is more than just a landmark. It is a reminder of the city’s transformation.
The Hoesch-Gasometer was once part of the Hoesch AG industrial complex. This area was known as Phoenix-West. The gasometer stored coke oven gas and blast furnace gas. This gas was a byproduct of steel production. Until 1964 it stored gas from the on-site coking plant. Pipelines were laid to the Hansa coking plant in Huckarde after the plant closed. From 1966 the gasometer stored coke oven gas from Hansa as well.
The Hoesch-Gasometer is huge. It is 76.5 meters tall. Its diameter is 49 meters. It could hold 120000 cubic meters of gas. A disc inside moved up or down. This depended on how full the gasometer was. This is normal for low-pressure gas containers.
After the steelworks closed the industrial area was torn down. The Hoesch-Gasometer was saved. In March 2002 it became a listed building. This included other parts of the old Phoenix-West plant. The Hoesch-Gasometer is part of the Route of Industrial Culture.
The green Hoesch-Gasometer stands majestically. It dominates the skyline. The Hoesch-Gasometer is a monument to industrial history. It is a testament to Dortmund’s past.
The vision for the Hoesch-Gasometer is fascinating. There is no other steel gasometer worldwide that has been repurposed. This is a unique opportunity for Dortmund. The city can create something special here. It is a place of industrial history.
The Hoesch-Gasometer could host sports and culture. It could offer club activities and events. Lectures and gastronomy are also a possibility. The gasometer could have a diverse interior life. It could become one of the city’s special places.
A feasibility study has been conducted. It explores different uses for the Hoesch-Gasometer. These include climbing fitness gastronomy events and offices. The “house-in-house” principle is essential. It addresses thermal and structural requirements.
The Hoesch-Gasometer is easily accessible. By car take the B1 to the B54/Ruhr-Allee towards Hagen. Take the second exit after a left curve. Turn left at the traffic light and left again into Konrad-Adenauer-Allee. There are many parking spaces near the blast furnace. Some streets have restricted access during certain times.
By train take RE 57 RB 53 or 59 to Dortmund-Hörde. From there walk straight ahead across the roundabout. The walk is about 800 meters. Alternatively take U-Bahn line U41 towards Hörde to the Hörde (Clarenberg) stop.
Another option is U-Bahn line U49 towards Hacheney to Rombergpark. Cross the street turn right and walk to the intersection with Konrad-Adenauer-Allee. Turn left and walk to the blast furnace which is about 1.2 km away.
The Hoesch-Gasometer a symbol of Dortmund’s industrial heritage. It is preserved for future generations. This monument reminds us of the past. It also inspires new visions for the future.