At the first public meeting on June 26, 2019, at the Electoral Palace, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the status of the planning process, exchange ideas, talk to experts, and share their suggestions and wishes.

During the event, participants once again had the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions regarding the plans for the Ludwigsstraße shopping district. These plans encompass an overall urban design concept for Ludwigsstraße from Schillerplatz to Gutenbergplatz and highlight the connections to the adjacent building structures, open spaces, height developments, and significant spatial boundaries. The concept brings together the guidelines developed and continued from the Ludwigsstraße forums, the contents of the framework plan noted in April 2019, and key technical points from the city administration.

The use of public open spaces along Ludwigsstraße has been greatly reduced compared to the 2017 framework plan and now only takes up a very small amount of public space. This offering is complemented by the market hall (pop-up hall). The recessed edge of the pavilions on the current ground floor area creates additional space for pedestrians and trees. Important gate situations, building heights—their staggering and adaptation to the surroundings—will be examined in more detail in the competition.

Functional conditions play an important role in urban planning concepts. The future shopping district will offer a wide range of uses (shopping, restaurants, culture, hotel, roof terrace). Access will continue to be on foot, by public transport, or by car in the existing parking garage, which will also include a city hub in addition to the delivery area. The current parking lot west of the former Karstadt site offers potential for further uses.

In addition to receiving information about the current planning status through short presentations and discussions with experts, citizens had the opportunity to voice their wishes and suggestions both verbally and in writing during the first public participation event. This took place in the form of a plenary debate, two forums (debate with the mayor and investor, themed discussion groups), and questionnaires.

The results of the first public participation event were presented at the second event on August 26, 2019, in the Rheingoldhalle with posters, which represent the preliminary stage of the public participation report. All suggestions submitted in writing at the theme islands are also presented in the table below with the corresponding response and classification in the future planning process. The table is part of the public participation report. During the event, participants were once again given the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions regarding the plans for the Ludwigsstraße shopping district.

The report on the two public participation events was approved by the city council on September 25, 2019.