Plans to redevelop the Altona station area in Hamburg have progressed, with two proposals selected to shape the site’s future. The process follows the planned relocation of the long-distance and regional railway station to Diebsteich, scheduled for completion in 2029, after which the existing rail infrastructure at Altona can be dismantled.
The competition, organised by city authorities including the State Agency for Real Estate Management and Land, identified two schemes for further development. One of these has been led by C.F. Møller Architects in collaboration with VOGT Landscape Architects. A second proposal by NOTO and Studio Erde has also been selected and will be developed in parallel before a final decision is made.
Altona station relocation unlocks 6ha redevelopment site
The relocation of the terminus station creates a 6ha site at the intersection of Altona and Ottensen, opening up land for a new urban district. The project is being developed for LIG, the city’s real estate management authority, and is intended to establish a long-term framework for mixed-use development, public space and transport infrastructure.
The proposal by C.F. Møller Architects and VOGT sets out a structured urban framework in which key elements such as a central square, linear park, urban blocks and a reconfigured bus terminal are treated as distinct yet coordinated components. This approach allows the area to be developed in phases while maintaining a consistent spatial structure.
Plaza, park and mobility reshape the district framework
At the centre of the scheme is a new traffic-calmed square designed to act as a civic focus for Altona. The space connects Ottenser Hauptstraße with Große Bergstraße, creating east–west continuity and accommodating markets, public events and everyday use.
To the north, a new bus terminal is positioned along the S-Bahn line, with pedestrian access points linking platforms and rail services within short walking distances. Existing traffic routes are reworked, with Präsident-Krahn-Straße redesigned as a park promenade and crossings along Max-Brauer-Allee adapted to prioritise pedestrian and cycling movement. Service traffic, deliveries and taxis are redirected through designated routes, supported by a neighbourhood garage intended to reduce through-traffic within the district.
A continuous green structure forms a north–south corridor, connecting open spaces and extending into a linear park along the former railway tracks. This approach integrates transport, landscape and urban form within a single framework.
Mixed-use development and climate strategy define the plan
The development introduces a mix of housing, commercial space and public functions, supported by flexible building layouts and active ground floor uses along key streets. Public amenities, including recreational areas and cultural functions, are incorporated alongside residential and office space.
The open space strategy distinguishes between different spatial types, including a central square, promenades and a track-based park with areas for sport and leisure. Environmental measures are embedded across the site, including tree planting, water-retaining surfaces, rainwater management systems and green roofs, contributing to a climate-responsive design approach.
The competition process has been shaped by public participation, with more than 1,000 residents contributing input during its development. The two selected proposals will now be refined and assessed for feasibility, forming the basis of a future framework plan. Detailed design phases and further competitions for buildings and public spaces are expected to follow, with construction anticipated in the early 2030s.
