A Green Nibelungenplatz for Tulln
A broad-based public participation process has made the redesign of Nibelungenplatz an exciting urban planning project.
- Summary: Opening up sealed surfaces and applying the sponge-city principle. Around 8,000 m² of sealed surface between the Danube and the town hall, previously home to 211 parking spaces, was converted to permeable surfaces. Trees were planted to provide increasing shade every year, perennial flowerbeds were created to store rainwater, and the monastery garden was revitalized. The former urban heat island in the city center is now a luscious, temperate green space the locals can enjoy.
- Project timeline: December 2021 (public referendum) to June 2024 (construction completion). One year of intensive preparation before the referendum.
- Construction period: May 2023 to June 2024
- Costs: approx. 5 million Euro
- Funding: 30 % of total construction costs covered by the Province of Lower Austria. LEADER funding applied for: approx. € 148,000.
- Financial support by the LEADER program, Lower Austria Department of Spatial Planning, Lower Austrian Urban Renewal, Ecological Gardening (Natur im Garten), Lower Austria provincial grants, KLAR! (Climate Change Adaptation Model Region), Federal Monuments Office (for archaeological excavations), and the funding program Blau-Gelber Bodenbonus
In response to the noticeable impacts of climate change, the city of Tulln has thoroughly revamped its mobility, heat, and biodiversity concept. The new and improved Nibelungenplatz is a successful result of this effort. More public green spaces have been created, and mist-systems installed reduce the urban heat island effect in the town center. In addition, many parking spaces were removed under the new mobility concept, completely transforming the appearance of the square.
Building climate resilience through citizen participation
Nibelungenplatz is located in Tulln on the Danube, right in the center, along the popular Danube promenade. It was once the garden of a Minorite monastery, which was converted into the town hall in 2007. The square forms an important link between the Danube promenade and the main square, just two minutes away on foot. Until recently, it was mainly used for parking. Since about 90% of its surfaces were sealed, it developed into a so-called “urban heat island” in summer, preventing nearby residents from cooling down during the night and transporting heat downtown.
In December 2021, the citizens of the e5-city Tulln decided to build climate resilience in their community. So, the large parking lot before Nibellungenplatz was unsealed:
Motto: “Creating Space Together”
The city invited its 14,500 residents to take part in an extensive, eight-month public engagement process with several phases. This allowed citizens to contribute their ideas.
Residents quickly expressed a desire for a green, multifunctional space with high-quality areas for relaxation and social interaction. In the subsequent referendum, around 60% voted for the most climate-friendly option: a complete, climate-smart redesign of the square. This created a large, flexible-use zone with parking spaces next to the town hall. By May 2024, the new generous design of the square was taking shape:
Climate-Resilient Measures for a Greater Quality of Life
With the redesign of its town center, Tulln is setting new standards in climate adaptation. Measures include opening sealed surfaces in former parking areas and planting single trees, tree groups, avenues, and hedges. Where large asphalt surfaces for around 200 vehicles once existed, there is now a flexible-use zone, an esplanade, and a riverside promenade. The former monastery garden has also been revived.
These changes offer residents a high-quality leisure space while preserving some parking spaces. With this project the e5 city Tulln demonstrates how sustainable design can improve the urban climate and enhance residents’ quality of life. The following video offers insight into the reconstruction work and the citizen participation process:
Squares of the Future
This area, once offering little quality of stay, has now become the centerpiece of Tulln and the calling card of the Garden City. Experts from far and wide have come to see and get inspired by the successful unsealing project. To keep the trees healthy and allow large canopies to develop, additional root space was created using the sponge-city technique.
The square is not just visually appealing but also hosts major events such as Wein.Findet.Stadt, Silent Cinema, and the popular jazz festivals. Even the reduction of parking spaces to 55 has been well received. An external transportation planner optimized the parking situation, making use of the three nearby garages to ensure sufficient capacity.
This innovative project won the 2023 VCÖ Mobility Award Austria in the category “Zukunft jetzt gestalten!” (Shaping the Future Now!”) and is a flagship example for how urban spaces can be sustainable and future-oriented in its design.
