Bretten says garden show 2031 Adieu - what is now planned!

Bretten says garden show 2031 Adieu - what is now planned!

The city of Bretten decided on May 27, 2025 to do without the implementation of the garden show 2031. This was decided in the local council with 20 votes in favor, 3 votes against and 2 abstentions. The decision is significantly due to the financial concerns, since the costs for the event for the city debt were considered intolerable. Mayor Nico Morast emphasized the careful consideration of the decision and the need to involve the citizens in future developments. Over 200 citizens took part in the information event for the garden show on May 19, where the urban plans were presented in detail.

After the decision, the focus is now on the development of the core city, especially in the areas of Sporgasse and Simmelturm/Withum facility. The city plans to use the inner -city streams (Saalbach, Salzach, Weißach) as orientation lines for urban redevelopment. A joint explanation of all factions in the local council described the step as responsible and necessary for sustainable urban development.

costs and risks of the garden show

The original cost estimate for the garden show was estimated at 48.3 million euros, while a reduced plan B was estimated at around 32.7 million euros. Treasurer Nina Ruppender pointed out the enormous financial risks that a garden show had brought with it for the already high debt of the city. Morast also called the uncertainties through changed framework conditions, such as the financial situation and the in question in question, which were decisive for this decision.

The garden show would also have given the opportunity to create new green areas and to improve the city climate. However, it remains unclear whether and how these goals can be achieved without the implementation of the garden show. The local council has decided that urban development does not necessarily have to be bound to a garden show.

sustainable urban development in focus

In the context of the changed priorities, the development in Bretten will continue to be strongly shaped by the principles of sustainable urban development. An interdisciplinary approach is considered essential to ensure social, ecological and economic future viability in view of the growing urbanization. According to an analysis by the Federal Center for Political Education, the pressure is growing to take into account the needs of future generations and to address social inequalities.

expectations of better living conditions such as access to income, living space, education and mobility are increasing. Urbanization processes present cities to challenges such as environmental pollution and the endangerment of the water supply that must not be ignored. Political and social sensitivity to sustainable urban development has increased, but their implementation often remains behind the expectations.

Bretten now has the chance to increase the quality of life with a clear focus on the participation of the citizens and through targeted urban planning measures. The city administration plans to use the framework planning for urban development as guidelines for future projects in order to focus on the needs of citizens and to promote a positive identity.