Rheinufer Unteres Werft Uerdingen, Krefeld

Under the motto ‘Uerdingen on the water!’, the former harbour areas are to be upgraded for the public and transformed into an attractive open space in an urban context without losing the industrial character of the historic harbour area.

Identity-forming elements, such as the two historic harbour cranes and the preserved railway tracks, will be integrated into the new design and emphasise the former use of the site. The concept combines the existing qualities and materials with new utilisation options and furnishing elements. The redesign will create an attractive recreational area for all Uerdingen citizens and tourists.

The open areas of the Unterer Werft are currently divided into three main sub-areas, which are characterised by their different dimensions. In order to preserve the industrial character of the harbour and its importance as an (emergency) transhipment point, the redesign will be complemented by the new ‘harbour boxes’. These will be formed by repurposed overseas containers, as can still be seen on the large cargo ships on the Rhine today. In future, they will house facilities for various user groups such as a café, a bar, play areas for children, covered recreation areas and restrooms.