From cement factory to innovative meeting place: the Bonner Bogen
I remember well the cement factory, which was vacant in the 1990s (we called it the ‘ghost house’), which we had to go around on the bike path to Königswinter. Today, here – on the sunny side of Bonn – it is a very popular meeting place at the weekend. Cyclists take a break here, families use the lawns and play ground, and pubs and restaurants entice you with food and drink.
The history of the Portland cement factory ended in the 1980s. Then began a long and varied process of planning, tendering and competitions to determine what could be built there.
Finally, an outstanding example of the transformation of an industrial site was created – and is still being expanded – on a beautiful new Rhine promenade. Innovative architecture, sustainable urban planning and an attractive mix of uses blend well with the converted cement factory, a water tower and the former director’s villa.
Planning and conception
Planning for the Bonner Bogen began in the early 2000s and was overseen by renowned architects and urban planners such as Karl-Heinz Schommer. The master plan envisaged a mix of uses, including office space, hotels, restaurants and residential accommodation. A key element was the integration of the site into its natural surroundings, in particular by taking advantage of its proximity to the Rhine and orienting the buildings towards the river. The architectural design emphasised modernity and high-quality materials, while historical elements, such as the heritage-listed water tower, were preserved and integrated into the new buildings.
Particular attention was paid to ecological sustainability. The buildings were constructed according to modern environmental standards, with a focus on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energies.
Implementation and establishment
The construction phase began in 2004 and was realised in several stages. One of the first and most well-known buildings is the Kameha Grand Hotel, which opened in 2009. With its architecture and special interior design, it has become an emblem of the Bonner Bogen. It attracts not only tourists, but also companies for events and conferences.
Numerous office spaces were built next to the hotel, which are used primarily by companies in the technology, science and consulting sectors. The combination of modern workplaces, high-quality gastronomy and recreational spaces such as the Rhine Cycle Route makes the location a sought-after place for companies and employees.
Today, more than half a millennium later, it is not much different. In a large part of the 160 wooden stalls placed between Remigiusplatz, Münsterplatz and Friedensplatz, you can buy beautiful and useful items, including hand-made crafts, which make for great Christmas presents for family and friends. Here you will find unique items that are not available in the usual department stores. Inspired by the lovingly decorated displays, you’ll discover gifts that you would never have thought of while lounging on your sofa at home. For example, original jewellery pendants or maybe hand-knitted socks made of pure wool for your daughter, who always has cold feet? And for your girlfriend, who already has everything, a new Christmas ornament is always a hit! And of course, every once in a while I need a little refreshment. The Flammlachs (salmon cooked on an open fire) smells seductive, but I usually return to the Rhine-region classic, Reibekuchen, potatoe pancakes with apple compote. In addition, the sounds of Christmas can be heard from everywhere. The happy laughter of children coming from the direction of the historic carousel reminds me of the dear little ones in my family. For them, I have to make a choice between a handcrafted wooden toy and a cute Perlgraupentier (a figurine of a German miner). Slowly, the shopping bag I brought with me is proving not big enough. But I don’t need to worry because one of the traditional stalls has a selection of beautiful baskets: I have been eyeing them for a long time. No sooner said than done – now I just have to get the hand-made wrapping paper and my Christmas market tour will be a roaring success.
And soon, I’ll be going to the Bonn Greeters’ Christmas market meet-up, which takes place every year. We’ll be swapping anecdotes and information, taking a stroll through the rows of stalls and sampling the wares at various stands. Of course, it’s all preparation for when we show guests around the market, as Christmas markets are one of the top points of interest.
I, the only member of the Greeter family living in Sonnenpütz, supplies the homemade apple puree that is often served with it. I make it using the old apple variety ‘Kaiser Wilhelm’ that are growing in my garden in Kessenich.
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