Politicians’ suggestions Making Godesburg castle more attractive

Bad Godesberg · What is happening to the Godesburg castle in Bad Godesberg? Local residents are complaining about its current state. Politicians want to take action and boost tourism at the same time.

If you are out and about in Bad Go­des­berg, you cannot help being overshadowed by the Go­des­burg castle. The landmark sits majestically on its throne over the town. Politicians are still unhappy about the appearance and state of the castle and its lessening attraction to tou­ris­ts. Many discussions have been held in the past about issues such as the ivy covering the structure, the views blocked by overgrown greenery, the poor condition of the footpaths or the discarded rubbish. And Godesburg castle and the Burgberg hillside are on the agenda of the next district administration at the instigation of the CDU (Christina Democratic Union) and the FDP (Liberal Democratic Party).

The Liberals would like to know whether the historic and geological stories of the castle can be displayed “to make a visit to the Burg­berg entertaining and informative and attract more tourist attention to Bad Go­des­berg”. A further suggestion is to incorporate the castle into a walking route linking it with other local sights such as the Re­dou­te or Draitsch­quel­le. The ivy also plays ist part. As reported, the town had promised to carry out an investigation to assess the state of the stonework. Depending on the results, the ivy may have to be removed. Now the Liberals are asking for up-to-date information on this from the district administration. The FDP has some burning questions: how is the former hotel building used at the site? What state is it in? Are there any plans for future use?

The main issues for the CDU include lighting, maintenance of the footpaths, signage and footpath bridges between the old town centre and the Burg­berg. The old plans must not be forgotten, even if the work which has already been carried out is positive.

Much has been done to the castle and the hill in recent weeks. In Ja­nu­ary, the council started to cut back many of the trees and hedges so that the view of the castle has now been restored. The work is being carried out in several stages over the next 30 years. Furthermore, according to the press office, many paths will be either repaired or reworked and L-shaped stones will be installed to help stabilise the slopes. After Easter work will begin on constructing new safety barriers

Bad Godesburg residents are also concerned about the future look of the castle and the Burg­berg hillside, as well as their use. “The amount of rubbish in the bushes is shameful,” complains Ur­su­la Ro­de­wald, lifetime resident of Bad Go­des­ber­g. The awnings to protect the terrace of the Go­des­burg castle from the wind and sun in the summer disrupt the view. Politicians had already thought this in the past – at the request of the Bürger Bund (citizen’s alliance) the district administration decided at the end of January to replace the awnings with glass, if this is compatible with proprietary law and with the preservation order (as reported by GA).

Leon­hard and Do­ris Kes­sel were also born in Go­des­berg. They are happy with the appearance of the castle but miss the events of past times. “In the past, clubs and associations from Go­des­ber­g held festivals or celebrated carnival there. This has really changed. The Goedsburg should be used again for such events”, says Leon­hard Kes­sel. For Man­fred Borr­mann, the events at the castle should have more to do with its history: “There used to be an old market there. I would be pleased if this came back”.

“The castle should also have something to offer children, for example a playground. A child friendly café would also be nice,” says a mother. In An­na Bitz’ opinion, there is however no reason to make great changes, “we should leave it as it is. The castle looks fine”. (Orig. text: Ayla Jacob, Matthias Kirch)

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