Salzburg approves Makartplatz redesign as shared space

Salzburg’s planning committee has approved a redesign of Makartplatz, a historic city square, with plans to make it a shared space for pedestrians and traffic, ORF reported. The proposal includes removing a hedge and wall, planting additional trees and adding seating.

The city says ongoing sewer repairs offer an opportunity to make the square, which is now strongly shaped by traffic, easier to use as a public space. The central green area would be opened up and made more accessible. Existing trees would be retained, and the Caldera sculpture would remain in its current location.

New paths, seating and places to stay are planned. Traffic areas would be integrated more closely with the square through a largely level surface and consistent materials, while taking accessibility and public transport needs into account.

The project is planned in two stages. The first would create a shared space between Schwarzstraße and Dreifaltigkeitsgasse, while retaining the bus stop on Theatergasse. A city traffic study found this option could be implemented without significantly disrupting traffic.

In the longer term, the city aims to move the bus stop to Makartplatz and turn Theatergasse into a pedestrian zone. The city does not recommend this final stage under current traffic conditions; it would require a further reduction in private motor traffic.

The commission of experts for the preservation of the historic centre broadly supported the proposal, but called for more green space and more detailed planning. Exact costs have not yet been established and will be calculated during detailed planning before being submitted to the city council. The project is expected to cost one million euros.

The committee approved the report despite opposition from the Austrian People’s Party and the Freedom Party.