Welser Volksgarten: Large sealing project is now starting!

Welser Volksgarten: Large sealing project is now starting!

In Wels, the demolition work for the ambitious “Volksgarten Neu” project started at the end of April 2025. In one of Austria's largest drawing projects, old exhibition halls are gradually removed, a process that is supposed to continue until July. With the redesign, an area of ​​over 40,000 square meters of concrete is intended to create space for more green and leisure. Around 10,000 square meters are planned as a park, which is tailored to the needs of the population, and last but not least, an important step to improve climate adaptation in urban areas.

The city of Wels has entrusted the gardening design to the company Grünbau Jakel GmbH. 2.5 million euros are planned for this work, which are to be used to plant 500 new trees and to create shrub and meadow areas. These trees are not only an answer to climate change, but also offer shadows and ensure better air quality in the city. Implementation contracts for a water network and the lighting have also been concluded, with a total investment of 480,000 euros.

extensive infrastructure work

The demolition of the old exhibition halls marks the beginning of the construction phase 1 of the project, which also includes the redesign of the people's park and the construction of the exhibition hall. The original structures were acquired by the city in 1930 and installed over the years. The dismantling is accompanied by extensive infrastructure work, including the construction of a pond, new ways and sports areas. These should design the new parking area barrier -free and offer attractive leisure opportunities. The entire park is divided into three areas, with a central playground and a large sea pond.

The planning is inspired by the famous Central Park in New York, and the water is highlighted as a central design element. This not only promotes quality of life, but can also help to alleviate the heat in the summer months. VDI action recommendations for “urban development in climate change” support such initiatives by advising municipalities to use heat and dry-resistant domestic wild plants to increase biodiversity and thermal comfort.

financing and outlook

The total costs of the project amount to around 65 million euros. Around 20 million euros are planned for the redesign of the park, 34 million euros for the construction of the exhibition hall and over 10 million euros for the State Garden Show 2027. The financing is carried out by surpluses without taking up new debts, but at the expense of the reserves. In addition, 80,000 euros in funding from the state of Upper Austria have been applied for for the reversing, while EU funding still stands.

Urban politics appeals to the citizens for understanding of the inevitable noise emissions and traffic impairments during the construction work, which according to planning should be completed by 2026. The redesign of the People's Garden area clearly shows the commitment of the city of Wels to improve the quality of life through more green areas and leisure areas.

Further information and current progress are available on the city's website: wels.at/volksgarten .