Jean-Claude Trichet: The handing over of the building permit for the new
European Central Bank premises by the City of Frankfurt
Introductory statement by Mr Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank,
at the press conference, Frankfurt, 6 May 2008.
* * *
Sehr geehrte Frau Oberbürgermeisterin Roth,
sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
ich freue mich sehr, dass Sie, Frau Oberbürgermeisterin, mir heute persönlich die
Baugenehmigung für unseren Neubau auf dem Gelände der ehemaligen Großmarkthalle
überreichen. Für die EZB ist es ein besonderer Tag - die Erteilung der Baugenehmigung ist
einer der wichtigsten Meilensteine auf dem Weg zur Errichtung des neuen Sitzes der
Europäischen Zentralbank.
This building permit provides us with formal approval for our architectural plans. We can now
start implementing these plans, which have been under development for the past two years
during the planning phase. The ECB sincerely welcomes the issuing of the permit, as it
represents the culmination of all the hard work that has been done up to this point.
We are very excited about the upcoming phase, that is, the start of the main construction
work. As stimulating as the previous design phases were, they cannot possibly compare to
the next stage, in which we will see the new ECB premises rise from the ground.
I would like to take a moment now to reiterate some of the key features of our future
premises.
Let me start with the preservation of the Großmarkthalle. This important consideration has
played a key role throughout the different stages of the project. At the ECB, we take
particular pride in the fact that our efforts will enable this remarkable building - designed by
the architect Martin Elsässer - to be preserved. In the course of the construction process, the
concrete structure of the hall and the brick facades will be entirely renovated, while of course
due attention will be paid to the guidelines of the monument preservation authorities. Over
the past two years preservation experts have spent literally thousands of hours assessing the
exact state of the building's structure and the best methods to use for its preservation. The
Großmarkthalle will not only be revitalised; it will also be fully integrated into our new
premises. The combination of old and new, the former market hall and the new office towers,
will create a unique building that will be easily recognisable not only in Frankfurt, but all over
Europe and beyond.
Another important element of our new building's design is energy efficiency. The
environmental design of the new premises is based on the EU Directive on the Energy
Performance of Buildings. Our target for energy usage will be lower than the current German
standards. Regenerative energies will be incorporated into the design wherever possible.
Last, but not least, I would like to say a few words about the landscape design of the new
premises. On completion, the landscaping will substantially increase the amount of green
space in the area. Close cooperation with the city authorities has enabled an integrated
design on the eastern boundary of the site, which means that the city's green belt
Ruhrorter Werft
(Frankfurter GrünGürtel) can be extended from the on the river out towards
the Ostpark.
The site of the new ECB premises will be secured in line with the security requirements of a
modern central bank. Our security concept foresees physical components which will be
integrated into the modulated landscape design and will not impair the view of the building. In
this way, the Großmarkthalle will remain visible to its neighbours and those visiting the
Ostend area.
Let me now turn to the next steps to be taken in the construction of the new premises.
As you know, we are currently carrying out the preliminary construction work, having
received the required permit in February. In this context, the following work is currently being
undertaken:
•
Excavation work has begun for the basement of the office towers and the
underground staff car park in the south of the site.
•
The remaining ramp in the old railway delivery area and the two four-storey annex
buildings at both ends of the Großmarkthalle are being removed. You may have
noticed that the bricks that made up the external facade of the annex buildings are
being removed by hand, one by one, since some of them will be reused for the
renovation of the facade of the hall.
If all goes well, the ECB will announce the general contractor which will carry out the main
construction work for the new premises in autumn of this year. The company is currently
being selected within the framework of a Europe-wide tender procedure.
In January 2009, following the construction of the basement slab, the foundation stone is
scheduled to be laid. (Frau Roth - we hope you will have some space for us in your diary?)
Großmarkthalle
At the same time, the renovation of the will get under way. If all goes as
planned, we expect the building work to last around three years, with the building complex
being finalised by the end of 2011.
I would like to finish my introductory remarks by expressing my gratitude to the various
authorities involved in this project. In particular, I would like to thank Frau Roth and all the
staff of the Frankfurt city planning department for their commitment and efficient collaboration
in this project, especially during the application process for this building permit. I can only
agree with what was mentioned a moment ago: that the guidelines we received were precise
and timely and the communication with the relevant authorities was very well organised.
The speed with which our application was handled is further testimony to the excellent
collaboration between our New ECB Premises project team and the city authorities.
I thank you for your attention and am now at your disposal for questions.