Once a vast steelworks now a shimmering oasis. That’s Phoenix-See. This artificial lake in Dortmund-Hörde is more than just a pretty sight. It’s a symbol of transformation.
For 160 years steel dominated this area. The ThyssenKrupp AG once known as Hoesch produced steel here. In 2001 the steel production era ended. A new chapter began.
The city of Dortmund embarked on a massive urban development project. They transformed the former industrial site into a recreational paradise. This area covers around 100 hectares.
Phoenix-See 21 a subsidiary of Dortmunder Stadtwerke AG managed the project. They worked with the Emscher Cooperative and the city of Dortmund. The city planned the project’s design.
Construction was a huge undertaking. The first groundbreaking took place in 2005 after the steelworks were removed. At times this was Europe’s largest construction site. Over 100 large machines worked at full speed.
Creating the lake basin required moving 2.5 million cubic meters of soil. Around 420000 cubic meters of reinforced concrete were also moved. The filled-in Emscher valley was largely exposed.
The Phoenix-See officially opened on October 1 2010. The lake filling was celebrated. By May 2011 the lake was full. All construction fences were removed. Phoenix-See was open to the public.
The Phoenix-See is impressive. It is 1.2 kilometers long and 320 meters wide. Its water surface covers 24 hectares. This makes it larger than Hamburg’s Binnenalster.
The lake has an average depth of 2.5 meters. The lake’s body has a volume of 600000 cubic meters. It also provides 235000 cubic meters of additional flood protection.
The area around Phoenix-See offers many activities. People can sail paddle or row. Wide green spaces invite visitors to stroll jog cycle or skate. High-quality residential units businesses offices and restaurants line the promenade.
Even footballers from Borussia Dortmund have expensive flats here. You might spot one. Many restaurants and jetties invite you to relax.
You can reach Phoenix-See by car. There is a car park. You can also take the train to Dortmund-Hörde station. From there you can walk or take a bus.
Phoenix-See received the German Urban Development Prize. It is one of Dortmund’s top attractions. It showcases structural change. It’s a place to live work and relax. A true residential paradise emerged from a steel plant.