Otto-von-Bahren-Park, Gebäude T

Nestled within Hamburg’s vibrant Bahrenfeld district lies the Otto-von-Bahren-Park. This unique park has a captivating history. It was once the site of the Altona Gasworks. The Otto-von-Bahren-Park encompasses the historic buildings of this former industrial complex. The gasworks were built between 1892 and 1895. The architect and civil engineer Schaar designed the complex. The site spanned an impressive 8.5 hectares. It stretched north from today’s Gasstraße to Mendelssohnstraße. The gasworks began operations in 1896, replacing the older gasworks on Große Elbstraße. It served as the main production facility for Altona’s gas supply. The industrial facilities underwent expansions between 1910 and 1928. This was to meet the growing demand. Production at the gasworks ceased in 1938. After war damage in 1943, the site stopped producing city gas in the 1950s. However, the site remained active in storing and processing crude benzole from other Hamburg gasworks. The facility transitioned into a container and compressor station until its complete closure in 1960. The remaining gas holders were demolished in 1974. Some buildings found continued use. One of the old coal storage halls transformed into an animal feed factory. Other parts housed small businesses. Artists and alternative communities also occupied some vacant spaces. They established studios, living spaces, and workshops within the industrial ruins. The gasworks had a railway connection to Bahrenfeld station. The bridge over Gasstraße still stands as a testament to this industrial past. In the early 1990s, investors recognized the potential of the site’s brick buildings. They formed an interest group to plan the area’s future. In 1994, the investor group Hollmann Peters Vogler (HPV) and another investor purchased the gasworks site. Their vision was to revitalize the area while respecting its historical character. They aimed to create a modern commercial center with all the necessary amenities for the Bahrenfeld district. The buildings received landmark status in 1996. Between 1994 and 1998, investigations revealed significant soil contamination. Cyanides, PAHs, phenols, and BTEX were among the pollutants. Even the relatively protected groundwater showed traces of aromatic compounds. A large-scale soil remediation project took place from mid-1999 to mid-2000. This happened alongside the initial construction phases. Underground pits were excavated, contaminated liquids and tar oils were pumped out. Approximately 150,000 tons of soil and debris had to be removed. In 2007, a deep-seated benzene contamination was discovered in the south. After its removal, the entire former gasworks site is considered remediated. The City of Hamburg provided 7.5 million euros for the remediation efforts. In 2003, the commercial use of the renovated residential and commercial properties began. The Otto-von-Bahren-Park now houses offices, shops, hotels, a fitness center, and restaurants. Around 250 condominiums were built, mostly in the northern part. A central park with a pond, also serving as a rainwater retention basin, enhances the area’s appeal.