Wilhelmsplatz: Stuttgart fights against the brutally ugly image!

Wilhelmsplatz: Stuttgart fights against the brutally ugly image!

Wilhelmsplatz in Bad Cannstatt is a place that is highly controversial in public perception. Used intensively as a hub for local transport, many residents find the square unattractive and uncomfortable. At temperatures above 30 degrees, the concrete retains heat and makes it uncomfortable for users. A 27-year-old from Cannstatt describes the place as uncomfortable, but recognizes the advantage of being close to a popular pub.

Wilhelmsplatz is repeatedly described as one of the “ugliest” places in Stuttgart, but there are no objective statistics to support this claim. Formerly designed as a representative center, today the focus is on its function as a transport hub. Subways here run every minute, which leads to a constant background noise.

Social problems and security situation

A 32-year-old man noted that many people from difficult economic backgrounds frequently visit the square. Women and men of different ages complain about garbage and a lack of cleanliness and compare Cannstatt negatively with Tübingen. A 61-year-old also calls for a reduction in car traffic in the area. A lady describes the square as a “social hot spot”, but this is not confirmed by the police. Police spokesman Stephan Widmann reports a decrease in serious crimes, which is why the situation is not classified as worrying despite the complaints.

In 2023, 25 brutality crimes were recorded; last year there were 17. Nevertheless, Wilhelmsplatz remains a central hub where many “socially disadvantaged” people stay. Nostalgic photos from 1926 show the square in a much more appealing light, which evokes a feeling of longing in some older Cannstatters. Younger residents, however, see the square as a meeting place and appreciate the easy accessibility.

Remodeling plans

The local council has finally made a decision: 395,700 euros were approved for the redesign of Wilhelmsplatz in the 2024/2025 double budget. However, specific details about the planned redesign are not yet known. This initiative could be part of the new framework concept for social neighborhood development that is currently being developed in Stuttgart. The pilot phase of this concept runs from 2024 to 2027 before it is to be permanently established from 2028.

Various actors are affected by these developments, including initiatives, self-organizations, associations and also voluntary welfare providers. The district networker is in close contact with the city's social planning department in order to take into account the numerous demands from the district initiatives that were submitted at the city hearing at the end of November 2022. Another specialist forum on social neighborhood development is planned for November 4th, 2024 in the Stuttgart town hall.

The planned improvements and comprehensive district development could not only benefit the attractiveness of Wilhelmsplatz, but also help to improve the social challenges in Bad Cannstatt in the long term.