Overview

• The Stadtreinigung, the environmental authority and the Hamburg-Mitte district chose to halt the rebuild and fill the gutted structure so the square can host the Christmas market.
• The facility reopened in autumn 2023 after roughly €2.08 million in renovations but closed a few months later because water entered the rooms.
• An expert report found the contractor failed to install a watertight basin, and the city’s cleaning authority is assessing recourse claims.
• Officials pointed to heavy logistical constraints across the site, warning that continuing works would prolong disruption for traffic and retailers.
• A permanent solution is now planned as an above-ground “Toilette für Alle” in the future Haus der digitalen Welt around 2030, as taxpayer advocates denounce wasted funds.