Buga 2033: Investments of 120 million euros planned

The Saxon state capital is planning to invest 120 million euros in the Federal Horticultural Show (Buga) 2033. "Buga 2033 is our chance to make Dresden greener, more liveable and more sustainable," said Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP) at the presentation of the updated concept for the horticultural exhibition.

It is not just a showcase for the horticultural industry, but a promise to be able to implement major developments in the field of urban development. The focus is on the development towards more climate resilience. Hilbert said that both people and plants are increasingly suffering from the heat. This challenge must be met and quality of life in Dresden must be shaped for the coming decades.

First Buga in Saxony

The Federal Horticultural Show 2033 will be held in Saxony for the first time with the state capital as the host city. Half of the planned investment of 120 million euros will come from the city's own funds and half from subsidies. A large part of the sum is earmarked for the development of the core areas Südpark, Galopprennbahn (39 million euros each) and Kiesseen Leuben (19 million euros).

The Buga is to focus on two development axes covering a total of 100 hectares. The first so-called lifeline under the motto "Dresden's new vision" runs from Südpark via the TU Dresden campus to the city center. The second lifeline has the motto "Dresden's new togetherness" and connects the Prohlis district via the racecourse with the Leuben gravel lakes.

The previous plans from the 2023 feasibility study have been adapted to the current framework conditions in the new concept by setting priorities and priorities, according to the press release. The investment sum of 232 million euros envisaged there has been reduced by almost half.

First construction work planned for 2029

The city council still has to approve the current concept. The city administration is aiming for the decision at the beginning of 2026. A public competition for garden and agricultural architects to submit concrete ideas and designs for the Buga core areas will then follow from the middle of the year. This will be followed by construction planning, with initial construction work scheduled to begin in 2029.

Some measures will reportedly be brought forward. These include the creation of a bathing area at Kiessee Leuben. According to the concept, urban society will be involved in the planning via dialog formats, citizens' workshops and children's and youth projects.