With 250 invited guests and under special protective conditions, the historic town hall of the city of Frankfurt (Oder) was reopened on Wednesday, 22 May 2024 after extensive renovation work.
In the presence of Minister President Dr. Dietmar Woidke and Uwe Schüler. Dietmar Woidke and Uwe Schüler, State Secretary in the Brandenburg Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Planning, as well as many guests involved in the construction, financing and further securing of the major project, architect Ralf Fleckenstein handed over a symbolic key to Lord Mayor René Wilke, who is now back in charge of the building after more than four years of construction.
In addition to the remaining work currently underway, some inspections by experts are still pending, so it was not yet possible to open the town hall to the interested public, but this will be the case in the near future.
Dr. Dietmar Woidke, Minister President of the State of Brandenburg: "It is a day of joy: after four and a half years of renovation and refurbishment, the town hall in the heart of Frankfurt shines in new splendor. This town hall is not only one of the oldest buildings in the city, it is also the center of administration and the seat of the administrative leadership and thus the first point of contact for citizens. Frankfurt has developed into a diverse, vibrant city with a future. This openness and accessibility is now also reflected in the architecture of the town hall. Many people work here for the benefit of the community. I am sure that this place can fully live up to its role as a focal point for the city community"
Secretary of State for Construction Uwe Schüler: "The renovation of this town hall is the largest and most extensive single urban development project in Brandenburg. Around 19 million euros were approved from federal and state funds. The result is more than impressive and every day that was invested here was a useful day. Just as every cent that went into this project was money well spent. The people of Frankfurt can now look at and into their town hall with pride and joy. What's more, the people of Brandenburg can be proud of how historic buildings in our state are being protected and developed for the future."
René Wilke, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt (Oder): "The main address of our administration is finally back at Marktplatz 1, something we have had to wait a long time for. This goes hand in hand with a big thank you to the state government of Brandenburg, whose extensive financial support made the renovation work possible. The old town hall is also a new one, because thanks to clever changes it has become friendlier, more open and much more suitable for civic engagement. We know that many Frankfurters are waiting to see the building after the successful renovation and are working on offering guided tours for all interested parties during and after the HanseStadtFest 'Bunter Hering'."