Opposite the Julius Raab barracks in Mautern an der Donau, State Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Federal Minister Gerhard Karner today officially opened the new community center “Forum Silberbichl” and broke ground for the second construction phase. At a gross cost of 15 million euros, the new building was constructed in a construction period of around 17 months. The police, fire department, music school, men’s choir and traditional costume band began moving into and using their premises at the beginning of September. There is also an event hall for 200 people including a catering area and a festival area for open-air events for general use. Father Clemens Reischl blessed the new premises.
“This community center is a flagship project that radiates far beyond the district’s borders and is certainly a role model for many other communities and cities. The money was invested very well here and the state of Lower Austria is always happy to be a partner in the implementation of such projects,” said the state governor, recalling in this context the renovation of the town hall, the planned housing project on Baumgartnerstrasse and the expansion of the kindergarten , which is currently being implemented.
“In Lower Austria, almost one or two people do voluntary work. In Mautern, “coexistence is particularly intense due to the many clubs,” said the state governor, addressing another aspect. “The clubs and volunteers are an important lifeline in our communities and cities. And the ‘Forum Silberbichl’ is a symbol of cohesion and represents the center for volunteers. Many clubs will have their home here in the new building,” she continued.
“Police inspections are the backbone and foundation of police work,” said Federal Minister Karner, who also emphasized: “The challenges have not really become less in recent years, but more. And especially in times like these, it is even more important that the people of Lower Austria can rely on their police.”
Mayor Heinrich Brustbauer and architect Horst Kottbauer provided information about the architecture and functionality as well as the ecological and sustainable construction of the project and the history of the creation of the new “Forum Silberbichl” community center. During the construction, photovoltaic systems were installed on the roof of the building, said Brustbauer, who also noted: Mautern is a growth community, which also requires investments in the infrastructure. All buildings would receive climate-active certification, added architect Kottbauer.
Completion of the second construction phase is planned for spring 2026 after a construction period of 16 months. The gross construction costs for the second construction phase are estimated at around seven million euros. The following institutions will find their new home in this building: the Wirtschaftshof, the beautification association, the comradeship association and the Mautern stage (theater association). The depot for the museum, a cold hall for the fire department, storage areas for clubs and rooms for meetings and smaller events round off the spatial program.
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