Nuremberg's Austraße Transformed into Pedestrian Paradise with Superblocks Project
Nuremberg's Austraße has been transformed into a pedestrian paradise with the launch of the Superblocks project. Since August 2023, white and pink serpentine lines have replaced cars, making way for wooden benches, raised garden beds, and even a boat on freshly painted asphalt. The project, inspired by Barcelona's 2017 Superblocks concept, aims to create low-cost, car-free zones for residents to enjoy safely.
The first Superblock pilot project in Nuremberg was approved in March 2025, with four test sites in the Gostenhof neighborhood. The initiative, led by 'Nürnberg autofrei!' alongside other groups like the Verkehrsclub Deutschland, received support from the city council and the traffic planning office. The project was launched with a grand opening on September 19, 2023, and has been well-received by young families and children in the area.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the Superblocks. Some longtime Gostenhof residents have expressed concerns about the removal of parking spaces and the installation of roadblocks. Drivers and autonomists have formed an unusual alliance to oppose the project, though for different reasons. Fears of gentrification and increased rents have also been raised, as the project could potentially attract wealthier residents to the neighborhood.
An external evaluation of the Superblocks project is planned for the summer of 2024. After this assessment, the city council will decide whether to expand the project citywide. The Franconian regional government contributed €250,000, and the city covered €50,000 for the project. Despite some opposition, the Superblocks project has brought a new lease of life to Nuremberg's Austraße, offering a safe and enjoyable space for residents to relax and play.
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