New flats for the Hafencity

The new HafenCity will be more than just new buildings for the rich, new plans show. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The HafenCity has been a place for people who can afford a bit more than the average citizen. But now, at the tenth anniversary of the HafenCity, a promise given ten years ago is going to be fulfilled. It was in the interest of the planners to offer a diverse mix of people, therefore, not only was the new part of Hamburg intended for the rich but also for the average earner. A new plan for the still empty spaces in the City will be introduced in May. It has been announced that in the east between Elbbrücken and Baakenhafen new flats will be build that are affordable for all. It is planned that 12,000 citizens will, when completed, find their homes in the HafenCity; to reach this number new homes will be built by 2025 – 3,700 flats in all.

Italian Cruiser Named in Hamburg

The "MSC Magnifica" is 293 metres long and can host 3,010 guests. (Photo by Jutta Höflich) 

After a 15-minute delay, the Italian film diva Sophia Loren entered the stage on Saturday, March 6 at 10:30 p.m., and as soon as she had cut through the green, white and red ribbon, a bottle of champagne banged against the bow of the Italian cruiser "MSC Magnifica." "May the cruiser bring hope and peace to the world," the actress wished.

Afterwards, classical music from Rossini and a gigantic fireworks display enthused the guests on board as well as those who came to join the spectacle from the "Landungsbrücken" (harbour piers). Before, a concert by the Italian pop singer Eros Ramazzotti was transmitted via a floating screen.

On Sunday, March 7, the "MSC Magnifica" started its maiden voyage to its port of registry, Venice. The MSC Magnifica is the eighth cruiser of the ship owner Gianluigi Aponte, whom Sophia Loren has known since her childhood in Naples.