A Park for Generations: Reclaiming Urban Space

The city of Wels has commenced demolition of old exhibition halls to make way for the Volksgarten NEW, an expansive park exceeding 10 hectares. This ambitious undertaking, dubbed the largest refrigeration project across Austria, aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

• Expanded Green Space: The existing Volksgarten will extend to the Traunufer, revitalizing its historical significance.
• citizen-Centric Design: Incorporating feedback from citizen participation processes, the park will offer diverse leisure activities and prioritize urban ecology.
• Climate Change Adaptation: The project emphasizes adjusting to climate change, creating a space with high quality of stay.

Unsealing the City: A Breath of Fresh Air

The volksgarten expansion will transform over 40,000 square meters of space, previously occupied by exhibition halls and access routes. This measure is expected to have a decisive effect on the quality of life in the city.

That is as much as at once as currently nowhere in the rest of Austria.

The new park will feature three distinct zones:

1. A movement space along the bank for active individuals.
2. Two leisure areas nestled among the trees.
3. an expanded green area around the Volksgartenteich and Gradier facility.

Water will serve as a central design element, incorporating a sea pond, water playground, and fountain field. With approximately 500 new trees and shrubs,the park will become the green lung in the heart of Wels.

construction Timeline: Phased Approach

The project is divided into four key construction phases:

Phase 1:

Demolition of exhibition halls 1-8 (east of the Almtalbahn) began April 28 and will continue through May. Demolition of fortified areas in the Volksgarten is slated to begin june 9.

Phase 2:

Demolition of exhibition halls 9-13 (west of the almtalbahn) will commence in June. Infrastructure work, pond construction, and preparations for fence foundations will begin in July, along with path construction and the development of initial sports areas.

Phase 3:

Preparations for the Wels Bay and water features, as well as upper floor work and tree plantings, will be underway starting in October. Path construction and the creation of the Traunuferpark will take place from December through the following spring.

Phase 4:

From February to May 2026, trees and shrubs will be planted, ecological areas will be created, and play equipment and other amenities will be installed.

Environmental Impact: Cooling the city

The demolition of the old exhibition center and its replacement with permeable surfaces across approximately 40,800 square meters will make the Volksgarten NEW Austria’s largest unsealing project. This will lead to a reduction in urban heat islands and improved local water management.

Bright surface materials on paths and squares will minimize heat absorption, while new shade-giving trees will cool the air and enhance its quality.

Planting Strategy: Prioritizing Climate Responsibility

The selection of approximately 500 new trees,representing 40 species,prioritizes climatic responsibility (“Future trees”),ecological value,and design aspects. Existing trees will be preserved with tree protection measures.

Tree felling will only occur if stability and survival are compromised, or if trees are diseased or dying. Necessary felling and cutting work during construction will take place outside of bird breeding season.

Native trees, shrubs, and perennials will connect existing natural areas and promote biodiversity. Non-domestic trees will be selected for their tolerance to dryness and warmth, combining the best of both worlds from around 50 types and varieties.

Project Management and Budget

Yewo Landscapes GmbH from Vienna was awarded the general planning contract following an EU-wide award procedure. Project management is overseen by the magistrate of the city of Wels’ building management department.

The municipal council has allocated a budget of approximately 20 million euros for the Volksgarten expansion. An additional 13.7 million euros is earmarked for the State Garden Show 2027, including the attraction of a zoo and reserves. The city is actively seeking funding for both projects.

Safety and Accessibility

For safety reasons, central areas will be enclosed with gates at key access points. The fence is planned to be completed after the State Garden Show 2027. Operating times will be established, and the fenced area is expected to be closed at night. Areas outside the fence will remain publicly accessible around the clock.

Voices from the City

Wels sealed – and more than any other municipality in Austria! The Volksgarten will newly improve the city climate, combine the city center with the Traun river and increase the quality of life from all over. I am pleased that it will finally start.
Mayor Dr. Andreas Rabl

The new Volksgarten becomes a lively place for everyone who brings people of diffrent ages and different interests. As an essential component of the city center, it moves closer to the Traun and contributes significantly to the attractiveness of our city. The element ‘water’ will pull through the entire area like a thread. Word of life should bring.
Vice Mayor Christa Raggl-Mühlberger

What applies to every construction site applies even more to the Volksgarten Grand Project: Naturally, there are temporary locks and diversions, unusual noise backgrounds during the construction phase. After that, the city of Wels gets a wonderful urban green space with a clever -based throughout, good accessibility and sufficient parking facilities.
Mobility City Councilor Stefan Ganzert

The Volksgarten Wels has a long story – and now it continues! With the biggest deformation project in Austria, we make nature from concrete again. We create new recreation room, more biodiversity and a better urban climate. Planning in the middle of the city is a real challenge – and I’m really looking forward to it!
Managing Director Dipl.-Ing. Gottfried Struggl

Stay Informed

For further information, visit wels.at/volksgarten. Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and construction progress updates are available online.

An information hotline is also available from wels Marketing & Touristik GmbH at +43 7242 677 22 55 or via email at volksgarten@wels.at.