Paths in historic castle pond complexes have been refurbished
The planning and implementation of this sensitive construction project were carried out in close consultation with the heritage protection authority in order to meet the design and historical requirements of the park. To this end, a comprehensive set of objectives in accordance with heritage legislation was drawn up in advance.
In the longer of the two sections, the eastern main path – which runs parallel to Promenadenstraße – was completely resurfaced over a length of approximately 440 metres. The dark asphalt surface, which was in need of refurbishment, was replaced with a light-coloured, water-bound path surface. This construction method blends aesthetically into the historic setting, promotes the natural infiltration of rainwater and is much more pleasant to walk on for both people and animals. The light-coloured surface also provides an attractive contrast to the anthracite-coloured basalt stone edging and improves orientation for people with visual impairments.
In addition to the main path, the renovation works also extended to the adjacent side paths. A particular design focus was placed on the restoration, in keeping with heritage standards, of the area around the Ernst Thälmann monument near Arndtplatz. Here, the Theuma slate slabs surrounding the monument were realigned and the brittle asphalt surface was also replaced with a water-bound paving surface. This enhances the entire area both visually and functionally.
The surface of the path over the bridge structure at the weir – the outlet of the Schloßteich – was also refurbished. The old, brittle asphalt surface course was replaced with a new one. On top of this, a special synthetic resin-based coating with a mixture of aggregate was applied, which matches the colour of the water-bound path surface. The bridge railing is still to be repainted.
One of the aims of the path renovation was to prevent the formation of unwanted footpaths within the historic grounds. To this end, new planting areas were established along Promenadenstraße to guide visitor traffic. The selection of plants is based on those historically used in the Schloßteich grounds.
The shorter section of the renovation work was carried out in the northern area of the Schloßteich, on Schloßteichstraße. There, a naturally formed footpath stretching for approximately 50 metres was completely removed, and the dead columnar oak was replaced by a newly planted columnar oak. This is in line with the objectives of heritage conservation legislation. To prevent the unwanted re-formation of a footpath, additional shrubs were also planted here.
The total cost of the work amounts to around 450,000 euros. The project was carried out with urban development funding from the federal government, the Free State of Saxony and the City of Chemnitz. Funding of around 300,000 euros is available for the path renovation from the ‘Lebendige Zentren’ programme; the City of Chemnitz’s own contribution amounts to just under 150,000 euros.
The Chemnitz-based company JACOB + BILZ was responsible for the planning and on-site construction supervision. The landscaping was carried out by Steinbach & Richter GbR of Lichtenau, whilst specialist tree protection supervision during construction was provided by Ibb GmbH of Chemnitz. The colour-coordinated surface on the bridge structure was installed by POSSEHL Spezialbau GmbH Co KG of Pöhl.
Outlook
Planning is already underway for a second construction phase, which will connect to the newly refurbished section in the northern part and resolve the issue of the footpaths leading up to the traffic lights at the junction of Schloßteichstraße and Promenadenstraße. This second construction phase is scheduled for completion in 2027.
The road surface over the bridge at the weir – the outlet of the castle pond – has also been refurbished. The old, crumbling asphalt surface course has been replaced with a new one. On top of this, a special synthetic resin-based coating containing a mixture of aggregates was applied, which matches the colour of the water-bound path surface. The bridge railing is still to be repainted.
One of the aims of the path refurbishment was to prevent the formation of unwanted footpaths within the historic grounds. To this end, new planting areas were established along Promenadenstraße to guide visitor traffic. The selection of plants is based on those historically used in the Schloßteich grounds.
The shorter section of the renovation work was carried out in the northern area of the Schloßteich, on Schloßteichstraße. There, a naturally formed footpath stretching approximately 50 metres was completely removed, and the dead columnar oak was replaced by a newly planted columnar oak. This is in line with the objectives of heritage conservation legislation. To prevent the unwanted re-formation of a footpath, additional shrubs were also planted here.
The total cost of the work amounts to around 450,000 euros. The project was carried out with urban development funding from the federal government, the Free State of Saxony and the City of Chemnitz. Funding of around 300,000 euros is available for the path renovation from the ‘Lebendige Zentren’ programme; the City of Chemnitz’s own contribution amounts to just under 150,000 euros.
The Chemnitz-based company JACOB + BILZ was responsible for the planning and on-site construction supervision. The landscaping work was carried out by Steinbach & Richter GbR of Lichtenau, whilst specialist tree protection supervision during construction was provided by Ibb GmbH of Chemnitz. The colour-coordinated surface on the bridge structure was installed by POSSEHL Spezialbau GmbH Co KG of Pöhl.
Outlook / Further information
Planning is already underway for a second construction phase, which will connect to the newly refurbished section in the northern part and resolve the issue of the footpaths leading up to the traffic lights at the junction of Schloßteichstraße and Promenadenstraße. This second construction phase is scheduled for completion in 2027.