WHAT'S NEW?! #36 - VILLACH IN MARCH 2024

The welcome2villach team collects the most important news from around Villach in a compact, monthly “News Story”, with links to more information. In March, there are updates on the "Quartierhaus josefsmarkt," the modernization of Villach Main Station, the new riverside grandstand on the Drau River, and the popular Easter market in the heart of Villach.

• Modern market experience planned for Kaiser-Josef-Platz: The city of Villach has found a partner in the BWS Group for the new district project "Quartierhaus josefsmarkt." They will act as the developer and invest 25 million euros to consolidate all Villach markets at a central location, making it the most modern market in the Alpine-Adriatic region. In addition to building a 1,600 square meter market hall and complementary open spaces, up to 80 rental apartments are also planned to be built. The city of Villach will provide the BWSG with the property through building rights for 90 years but will retain ownership. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with completion of the 5.2 million euro project expected by 2027.

• Villach Main Station to be future-proofed: The ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) are investing 70 million euros to modernize Villach Main Station. Plans include extending the platforms, installing photovoltaic modules, and improving infrastructure. New lighting, speakers, monitors, and video surveillance systems will also be installed. These works, including timetable adjustments, are expected to be completed by 2027 to create more connections and better transfer options. ATTENTION: During the renovation, there will be partial closures and timetable adjustments. Information posters, directional signage, and staff will be available on-site to assist.
   
• Creative ideas for sustainability: The city of Villach organizes an internal competition annually to promote new impulses and innovative ideas from its municipal employees. This competition serves as a platform for practical solutions. Award-winning projects include the successful transition of the City Green Department to the more gentle mowing of colorful flower meadows with scythes. Similarly recognized was the team from the Municipal Maintenance Department for their use of the old cultural technique of a dry stone wall to promote biodiversity, as well as the introduction of a mobile asphalt mixing plant for the effective repair of potholes in the streets.
   
• New meeting area on the Drau Riverbank: This year, a riverside grandstand will be erected as a new attraction in the tpv Technology Park Villach. The grandstand, made of concrete and larch wood, will be designed with a planting concept, featuring native plants, and aims to promote encounters and improve access to the Drau Riverbank. Concurrently with the construction of the riverside grandstand, the implementation of the first phase of flood protection measures along the Drau will begin.
   
• On your bikes, ready, go: Villach's modern network of cycling paths, spanning approximately 170 kilometers, is continuously being expanded. After winning in the category "Municipality with more than 15,000 inhabitants" in the “Kärnten radelt” (Carinthia cycles) project in 2023, cycling enthusiasts, companies, and municipalities once again have the opportunity to participate in the competition and win great prizes from March 20th to September 30th. At the official "Cycling Kickoff" in April, interested parties can also learn about cycling opportunities in the region.

• Family fun at the Easter Market: The traditional Easter market in the city center offers a variety of attractions for the whole family again this year. Children can enjoy a large slide, bungee jumping, and a pony station, among other activities. The City Green Department team ensures a lovingly designed spring landscape and once again presents the Giant Easter Egg as a photo point, which will delight families and friends. The market is open from March 21st to 30th daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 2 p.m. on Holy Saturday.
   
• By women, for women: On March 4th, the international Women's Day (March 8th) will be celebrated with a grand festival at the Congress Center Villach. Gabriele Köhlmeier will present her cabaret program "Date expired. Goods in order." from 7 p.m. onwards. The evening will conclude with DJ music and cozy networking opportunities.
   
• Events: In March, Villach hosts several outstanding events that enrich the city's cultural scene. Among them, on March 17th at 4 p.m., the Congress Center Villach will host a performance of the famous novel "Around the World in 80 Days" by the Munich Ensemble Persona for the whole family. Additionally, the film studio at Stadtkino Villach will feature arthouse films away from the mainstream on March 3rd and 27th, along with personal insights from directors and actors. Other highlights include the concert by the piano duo Sivan Silver and Gil Garburg on March 12th at the Congress Center Villach, and the folk concert by Alpine Dweller and MIKK at the Kulturhof:villach on March 23rd.