New WALS Center in Salzburg: A sign of hope for the region!

New WALS Center in Salzburg: A sign of hope for the region!

A big sigh of relief in the region: The new WALS center in Salzburg-Himmelreich opened its doors on September 20, 2025. After almost a decade of vacancy, the former Baumax area is now becoming the new hub in the west of Salzburg. The revitalization of the area, which extends over a whopping 19,000 square meters, is intended not only to provide fresh impetus to the region, but also to make a sustainable contribution to the development of the surrounding area. The owners, Wiener Städtische and DONAU Versicherung, have invested several million euros in the redesign in order to revitalize old structures and meet modern requirements.

The design of the WALS center shows what is possible when innovative ideas and sustainable concepts go hand in hand. “The goal was clear: we wanted to transform vacancies into added value and promote sustainable development,” said the owners’ representatives. On the ground floor of the new center, a Billa Plus branch and a dm market now offer attractive shopping opportunities. In addition, the nearby aresa, the outpatient rehabilitation clinic that opened in May 2024, ensures that health aspects are integrated into modern everyday life. And the end of the road has not yet been reached: TEDi plans to open before Christmas 2025.

Sustainability in focus

With a clear focus on sustainability, the WALS center not only offers numerous shops, but also modern office space for Fressnapf and the Salzburg state administration, which will move into their new offices on the upper floor. Ecological responsibility plays a central role here. Using a groundwater heat pump enables annual CO₂ savings of around 400 tons. In addition, 60 electric (fast) charging stations and photovoltaic systems are installed on the roof in order to cover the energy needs of the entire building as far as possible independently.

The project is a prime example of the successful revitalization of existing buildings, an approach that, according to Architekturzeitung is crucial for sustainability and resource conservation. “80% of the buildings that we will use by 2050 are already in place today,” explains one expert. He adds that revitalizations not only make ecological sense, but also significantly increase the value of real estate. The WALS center not only contributes to the revitalization of the region, but also shows how clever urban development can work.

A new workplace engine

The opening of the WALS center will create hundreds of new jobs, which is particularly important these days. The various businesses in the new complex are essential for both the local economy and the creation of a vibrant environment. Not only the immediate residents benefit from this, but also visitors from near and far.

The first phase of renovation of the WALS center, which began in 2021, included a comprehensive renovation and the addition of two additional floors. The underground car park was completed in March 2023 and now offers enough space for the increasing number of cars and electric vehicles. The entire renovation work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023, which increases the anticipation of the fully functional shopping and adventure world.

The WALS center in Salzburg-Himmelreich is not just a new shopping center, but a symbol of the region's future-oriented development. The combination of modern architecture with sustainable technology and a wide range of services creates a place where quality of life and profitability go hand in hand. If you don't stop by here, you're definitely missing something!