The reason for the delay: the previous operator Oliver Klemp has apparently not yet cleared the site. The non-public part of the economic committee discussed an urgent motion by the social liberals on Wednesday. "It's already an affront to politics and administration to let us down for so long. I'm really angry", Sebastian Kelm was annoyed afterwards. Because the old operator had not responded to the city for weeks. "Neither in writing nor by telephone," said Kelm.

The parliamentary groups agreed that the administration should do everything possible "to prevent the project from failing". The politicians are apparently relying on "gentle pressure". "A peaceful solution is always quicker than a legal dispute", Dieter Schaper, SPD member of parliament, justified. The aim is to create the conditions as quickly as possible to finally sign a contract. "It is important to us that we make progress now so that we have a beach bar on the Rhine in the summer," Schaper said.

Operator wants the site cleared

Whether the site will really be cleared on 1 March, i.e. next Sunday, is questionable. "I don't want any trouble and am also interested in a peaceful solution," Klemp told the GA. According to him, the evacuation has been delayed so far because he has had various contacts in the administration. Kelm contradicts this energetically. "We have demonstrably tried to contact him several times. All he had to do was respond."

Moreover, according to Klemp, it was not clear whether the new operator wanted to take over anything. "No, we do not", Grünewald replies. "We have a completely different concept and want a free site." Whether Klemp will be able to do this by the weekend, however, is questionable. "It'll be difficult," he admits. But every day is important for the new tenant to implement his ambitious concept on the Oberkasseler Ufer. "We need clarity at last," adds Grünewald. According to his own statements, he still expects to be able to take over the area on March 1. He already wants to start with his new bar at "Rhine in Flames".

The event gastronomer with international experience wants to offer a mix of the new and the old under the name "Bikini-Beach" on the banks of the Rhine in Beuel. "The idea is that it will be more lounge-like and relaxed," his spokesman Thomas Lenz had presented the planning to the GA in January.

"The credo is come in, come down and relax." This includes a greening concept, which is worked out with a landscape architect. In addition, mainly natural building materials will be used. "We want to provide the people of Bonn with a real oasis," explains Grünewald. There will also be a boules court at the Bikini Beach. Furthermore, Grünewald is planning a covered and heated area, which will be reminiscent of a greenhouse. This will house the gastronomic centrepiece.

However, there will be no permanent beach bar on the Oberkassel Rhine bank. The concession is only valid until the construction site for the new S13 line on Karl-Duwe-Strasse is established. This means that there will be no access to the location.Original text: Gabriele Immenkeppel Translation: Mareike Graepel