Unesco title in danger

Kastner boss: “Roof conversion is currently not an issue”

According to Kastner boss Martin Wäg, the economic situation makes completion of the building impossible. He also strongly criticizes the Graz city government.

Almost exactly a year ago, Deputy Mayor Judith Schwentner (Greens) was delighted. After several discussions, she had finally succeeded in getting the roof on the Kastner & Öhler shopping mall its bronze cover after 13 years. Graz's World Heritage title, which is linked to the "visual integrity" of the historic roofscape, seemed to have been saved.

Since this jubilant announcement, a lot of water has run down the Mur, but little has happened to the Kastner roof - in fact, nothing at all. "Of course, we know that the roof is a certain burden in its current state. However, rebuilding is not an issue at the moment due to the economic situation," clarifies Kastner CEO Martin Wäg.

A fact that the city authorities must also take on board, whether they like it or not. "Because in Styria, unlike in other federal states, there are no completion deadlines in the building law," explains Alfred Bramberger, Chairman of the Old Town Expert Commission (ASVK).

"The situation has become toxic"
For Wäg, the already difficult economic situation is being massively exacerbated by the brisk construction activity in Graz. "The situation has become really toxic, as you can see from the many stores in the city center that are gradually closing," the entrepreneur is convinced. For him, the lengthy nature of many construction sites is particularly inexplicable: "There has been virtually no progress in Neutorgasse since last year. I don't understand planning like that."

Subsequent use for Kastner Home space open
The effects of the crisis are unmistakable in the flagship of Graz city center itself. At the end of last year, the toy department was closed and Kastner Home moved to the fifth floor. The future use of the Home space in the former Art Nouveau building is still open: "We are currently using part of it ourselves. Talks are also underway with potential tenants."