Explosive ordnance sounding at Berliner Platz in preparation for geothermal drilling

Today, Wednesday (23 July 2025), the explosive ordnance clearance service began probing at Berliner Platz. The work is in preparation for planned geothermal drilling for the future heat supply of the town hall and cultural centre on Berliner Platz. For safety reasons, part of the area will be closed off.

Berliner Platz is a suspected site for explosive ordnance from the Second World War. In order to rule out any danger during the upcoming geothermal work, the explosive ordnance clearance service is carrying out six metre deep exploratory drillings at the planned drilling points. "These selective measures serve to check the subsoil in detail and are necessary before work can continue at greater depths", says Michael Köller from the municipal building management department.

The background to the measure is the municipal geothermal project for the future heat supply of the town hall. A total of 69 boreholes, each around 130 metres deep, are planned as part of this project. The actual geothermal drilling will take place in several construction phases once the preparations have been completed, with an estimated four to five drillings per week.

The north-western half of Berliner Platz will be closed to traffic on Wednesday and Thursday. The city asks for your understanding for the unavoidable restrictions, which serve the safety of all involved. "We hope, of course, that nothing is found and that we can then lift the closure again on Thursday", says Köller.