All we saw on stage that morning were beaming faces. Vice Mayor Markus Brandstetter looked back at the beginnings of the project and thanked the many citizens who took part in the project as part of the urban renewal. “We received 1,121 responses to our questionnaire campaign. 850 people also wrote to us about what they personally want for their hometown,” he reports.
The ÖVP deputy mayor emphasized that the city, with its new main square and the sponge city, had created something that could even set an example for European capitals.
The project manager in the town hall, Mario Holzer, remembered the tender, the awarding of the contract, the many conversations with citizens and also the skepticism that greeted the redesign of the main square. Construction took place from May 2023 to October 2024. “We not only redesigned the surface, but also modernized the entire infrastructure – water, electricity, district heating and also a new WiFi. Trucks can also drive on the new pavement,” he emphasized, which is important with regard to events but also the farmers’ market.
People should like to stay in the skin place
Oliver Gachowetz from 3:0 Landschaftsarchitektur and a team are largely responsible for the look of the new main square. “It was important to bring more trees into the city, but on the other hand the space should still be usable for multifunctional purposes. We wanted to change the center so that people would enjoy spending time there and we succeeded in doing that in Amstetten.”
Vice Mayor Dominic Hörlezeder emphasized the value of the main square design for the microclimate in the city. “With the sponge city and many other measures that are still planned, we are making an important contribution to climate protection in the city. It’s about preserving a place for future generations where they can breathe good air and live well. So climate protection can never end.”
Deputy Mayor Markus Brandstetter, Deputy Mayor Dominic Hörlezeder, architect Oliver Gachowetz and project manager Mario Holzer are enthusiastic about the new main square.
Photo:
Knapp
Katharina Krammer from the Weltladen and Monika Zarl, representing the stallholders at the farmers’ market, also had their say at the opening: “It is of course very important for us business people that people come to the city center and the new main square will certainly be a point of attraction in the future.” said Krammer.
“Declaration of love” to the city of Amstetten
Zarl emphasized that all products offered at the farmers market come from the region. “We are very happy when we return to the main square and call on people to come and shop with us.” The new owners of the Hotel Exel, Lisa Sigl and Michael Nell, made a “declaration of love” to the city of Amstetten. “You just have to look around to see that there is something going on in Amstetten and that there is a spirit of optimism here,” emphasized Sigl and Nell also highlighted the good cooperation with city politicians, especially Mayor Haberhauer. The new owners also believe in tradition, which is why there will be a “Restaurant Poldi” in the hotel in the future – after Leopoldine Exel.
Katharina Krammer from Weltladen Amstetten, presenter Birgit Perl Monika Zarl as spokesperson for the farmers’ market stallholders and the new owners of the Hotel Exel Lisa Sigl and Michael Nell.
Photo:
Knapp
The main square was ceremoniously opened by State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, who once again “dared” to come to Amstetten. “The expression is correct because these are usually expensive visits,” she explained, referring to the many projects that have been implemented in the district capital in recent years, some of which were also funded with state money. The state governor mentioned, among other things, the city pool, the new Eggersdorf kindergarten and the new primary care center in Mauer. “And today we are opening this main square here, which used to be more of a stone desert and has now become a wonderfully beautifully designed square,” said Mikl-Leitner happily. It invites you to linger, engage in dialogue and attend events, has good cycling infrastructure with Nextbike stations and a bike repair station and, above all, has been made climate-friendly. The project cost around seven million euros. “But every million that was invested here in Amstetten was good, important and right,” emphasized the state governor. According to Mikl-Leitner, the people of Amstett now also bear responsibility for the project to really become a success story: “ “So get out of the clubhouses, into the pub, away from online trading, into the city’s shops – that must be the motto in the future.”
State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner with the construction site mascot “Wolfi”.
Photo:
Knapp
For Mayor Christian Haberhauer, all Amstettners can be proud of the new main square. He thanked the many people who got involved in preparing the project and especially the restaurateurs and retailers “who have had two tough years behind them.” The city boss also expressed great thanks to the planners, but especially to the construction workers who implemented the project within the given time frame with great commitment. Amstetten is a wonderful and modern city “and I hope that we in the parties will find even more access to each other in the coming years and lead Amstetten into a good future.”
State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Mayor Christian Haberhauer officially opened the main square.
Photo:
Knapp
The opening was accompanied by the town music band. Pastor Peter Bösendorfer and Pastor Sandberger blessed the main square, but above all the people who will stay there and use it.
Pastor Hermann Sandberger and Pastor Peter Bösendorfer blessed the main square and, above all, the people who will populate it.
Photo:
Knapp
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“It’s a place we can be proud of!”.
Hundreds of Amstettners gathered on Thursday morning at the newly designed main square to celebrate its official opening. “Every million euros that was invested here was good, important and right,” emphasized State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner.
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2024-10-31 16:30:00
D here was worth it,” Mayor Michael Kloibmüller proclaimed during the ceremony. The revamped square features modern landscaping, improved accessibility, and spaces for community gatherings, transforming it into a vibrant hub for local residents.
Attendees enjoyed various festivities throughout the day, including music, food stalls, and activities for children, promoting a sense of community spirit. Many expressed their enthusiasm for the new design and the opportunities it brings for social interaction.
“The new square is not just a beautification project; it’s a step towards an inclusive community,” said one local resident, emphasizing the importance of such public spaces in enhancing social cohesion.
As the celebration continued, representatives from the city highlighted future plans to further improve the surrounding area, ensuring that the main square serves as a lasting asset for Amstetten and its inhabitants.