Image: Rendering: MK Illumination
The Christmas market at the Volksgarten has come under increasing criticism in recent years. The damage to the green spaces caused by the huts and rides sparked more than one discussion about the general direction of the format and a potential move to the Urfahraner fairgrounds.
There was no political majority for the latter, and it quickly became clear that the Christmas market in the Volksgarten would remain where it was in the past. However, this year (it starts on November 18th) the concept will show itself from a more lawn-friendly side. The new guidelines were presented today by Mayor Klaus Luger (SP) and market consultant Doris Lang-Mayerhofer. The climate councilor Eva Schobesberger (Greens), who is responsible for parks, was unable to attend.
Between tradition and innovation
Luger spoke of the fact that the new concept means “continuing the tradition and changing the organizations at the same time”. The destruction of the green spaces must come to an end, the sensitivity is now higher than five years ago. “The feat was successful,” said Lang-Mayerhofer happily about the presented package, in the creation of which several business areas and the feeders were involved. External expertise was also brought on board. Schobesberger let know via broadcast that the changes are the first important steps to prevent major damage. Schobesberger sees further need for action as her main goal is to keep the green areas completely free of overbuilding.
A central change is the new set-up order, around 850 square meters of stand space would be taken out of the grass and placed on solid ground, said Lang-Mayerhofer. Above all, this will succeed with the fact that in the future there will be more use of paved areas, on the one hand the forecourt in front of the music theater and on the other hand the area by the playground. Along the main path, things are moving closer together, the huts there will in future be on the asphalt in the front area, and the consumption areas, as known from gastro huts, for example, will be reduced.
New Fee for Standers
With the words “The concept is not rigid”, Lang-Mayerhofer made it clear that further changes can or will be made. The completion of the new building on the former Betten-Reiter building on Landstrasse would open up new possibilities in the future, and the new inner-city concept could also leverage potential for revitalizing southern Landstrasse.
Also new are stricter specifications for the feeders, who are now required by notice to place their huts (depending on size) either on stable heavy-duty floors or formwork panels. This ensures a distance of ten centimeters from the edge of the lawn and thus proper ventilation.
The so-called recultivation fee, which has to be paid by the feeders (also based on their storage space), is also making its debut this year, says Sarah Horwath, department head of the municipal markets. 3600 euros are estimated for the reprocessing of the lawn, experience shows that it is impossible to completely avoid damage. The new fee is used to finance the revitalization of the green areas by an external gardening company, which should take place promptly after the huts and rides have been dismantled.
Photo spot as a new eye-catcher
There are also stricter requirements with a view to the design of the hut as well as assembly and dismantling, Lang-Mayerhofer announced stricter controls by the market office. Violations would be sanctioned, should the green areas be severely damaged, the feeder concerned would have to bear these costs in addition to the recultivation fee.
There will also be changes in the orientation of the content, although the controversial rides will remain, but in general the focus will be on the topic of deceleration. A children’s adventure fairytale world will be created at the playground, which will serve as a relaxation area. In a further step, it is planned to create walk-in “gingerbread” huts.
The new photo point at the main entrance to the Landstraße should be an eye-catcher. The approximately six meter high LED star can change color with the help of a magic wand and is intended to be a striking photo and meeting place.
Security City Councilor Michael Raml (FP) reacted positively to the changes today: “It is important to me to lead the Christmas market in the Volksgarten into the future in such a way that the green spaces will no longer be affected in the future. I therefore support every measure that ensures both – the preservation of tradition and nature conservation”, “
Source: Nachrichten
