Trees Serving as Cab Stations Outside the Principal Railway Terminal
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Hangin' out at Europaplatz: A hazy past, an unclear future
By Vic the Stick
Europaplatz, the eyeful of concrete, bicycles, construction fences, and taxis before Berlin's main train station, ain't exactly the picture postcard view Berlin's toutin'. The mess has been muddling the city's charm for years, and it's high time for a change. But, which chapters are about to turn and who'll be left flickin' through the wind?
TAG news spilled the beans about the scootin' taxi stand, eruptin' just in '24, set to vanish. In its stead, lush greenery with a clutch of trees will sprout, enhancin' the atmosphere and shroudin' Europaplatz from the roarin' Invalidenstraße. Ain't much change in the pitch, the man behind the Berlin SPD Urban Development, Christian Gaebler (60, SPD), told the paper. He ain't lyin'. It's as set in stone as a slab of granite.
Here's where it gets interesting: the Rehwaldt Landscape Architects' schematics from '23, poppin' with dense plantin', tall trees, seatin' zones, Jelbi stand, and bike racks, are finally gettin' the green light. Happy days, eh? Well, not so fast: the start date moves later than planned, with an end of '25 wrap-up foreseen.
The taxis' wrath: A bump in the road
First plan waved, the taxis was movin' to Washingtonplatz, but a ruckus from the taxi unions made the moves go bust. The agitated taxis returned to their perch at Invalidenstraße in front of the station. Michael Klewer (58) of IHK Berlin clapped his hands, besmirchin' the German enforcement and wishin' for a few loyal taxis to bask in the Europaplatz glow, with a handy route to the compatible Platz for backups.
The taxi mob's 'n' and 'A' met their pointy heads together for a mutually beneficial solution, or else they're braced for a riot.
Changes a-comin' in 2029: A lesson in numbers
By the end of '29, Europaplatz's northerly part will undergo a renovation totalin' around 3.2 million euros. A glorious new Anna-Lindh-Haus, a seven-story high-rise, will complete the ensemble with the KPMG towers and the Total Tower.
Keep your eyes peeled for the latest; the ball's in the court of the authorities who know best. For now, don't settle for hearsay or whispers; get the real tea from the horse's mouth, Er, the city authorities.
The upcoming transformation of Europaplatz includes the home-and-garden sector, as the Rehwaldt Landscape Architects' plans for lush greenery, seating zones, and bike racks are about to be implemented. However, the lifestyle changes in Europaplatz won't be fully realized until the end of 2025, due to project delays.