Dessau-Roßlau hosts the Federal Garden Show (BUGA) in 2035. On 14 October 2026, the city council approved the investment framework plan. It fixes the area where the BUGA will mainly take place. On 16 November 2026 at 18:00, the second BUGA Dialogue takes place in the Marienkirche.
Where does the BUGA 2035 take place?
The core area after the decision of 14 October 2026:
- Georgium with Beckerbruch
- Schillerpark with its pond
- Dessau city centre, including Innerstädtisch Mitte, Stadteingang Ost and the theatre quarter
- Burgareal Roßlau with the moated castle, castle garden and Rosselgrünzug
- Blumenhalle (flower hall), centrally on the Schadebrauerei site
- Wallwitzhafen, added at the request of the CDU group on the council
Following the motto “Eine Stadt wird Buga” (a city becomes BUGA), no new areas are added. Existing areas are upgraded, together with urban development measures, mainly in the city centre. A focus is climate adaptation and open-space design. To reduce vacancy, buildings in the theatre and Johannis quarters and around Friederikenplatz are to be renovated.
The earlier feasibility study had recommended around 20 possible areas, including Elbbalkon, Pollingpark and the Historischer Friedhof. The ongoing process will show which of them end up included.
What has been decided so far?
| Date | Decision | Source |
|---|---|---|
| already done | The German Federal Garden Show Company accepts the city’s application | City of Dessau-Roßlau |
| already done | The state of Saxony-Anhalt classes the BUGA 2035 as an “initiative of state significance” and promises support | City of Dessau-Roßlau |
| 14 Oct 2026 | City council approves the investment framework plan with the core area | Amtsblatt 11/2026 |
| 16 Nov 2026 | BUGA Dialogue #2: review of 2026, projects and investments from 2027 | Amtsblatt 11/2026 |
The city has not published a total sum in euros so far. According to the city’s FAQ, around 1.3 per cent of the city budget per year is planned for the BUGA. At least 80 per cent of the investments are meant to stay in the city and have an effect there. The city lists funding programmes of the federal government, the state and the EU, the city’s own capital, private investment, and admission fees and sponsorship as sources of money.
What does this mean for shops, trades and hospitality?
What is certain: the city is investing in the centre, parks and buildings until 2035. The city writes that the effect starts well before 2035 and lasts beyond it. What that means for your business depends on location and industry. The following are expectations, not promises:
- More visitors in the city centre: if you run shops, restaurants or accommodation there, you may benefit from more guests.
- Work for construction and trades: renovations in the theatre and Johannis quarters and open-space projects need businesses from the region. How contracts are awarded is governed by the city’s public tenders. Current tenders are on the city’s website.
- Building sites on your doorstep: construction can affect access and foot traffic. Find out early when work is planned on your street.
- Small projects with funding: the city is setting up a Verfügungsfonds (disposition fund) so that smaller project ideas in villages and districts can be carried out before the BUGA. The city has not yet published how to apply. Ask the Office for Economy and Urban Planning: wirtschaftsfoerderung@dessau-rosslau.de, phone 0340 204-2061.
How to stay informed
- BUGA Dialogue #2 on 16 November 2026, 18:00, Marienkirche Dessau. You can ask questions and meet the people behind the BUGA.
- The city’s BUGA page and FAQ (in German): verwaltung.dessau-rosslau.de/eine-stadt-wird-buga
- The city’s Amtsblatt: published monthly. We summarise new decisions here and update this page.
How do you become visible online before the BUGA?
Guests look up place, opening hours and reviews beforehand. There is plenty of time until 2035, but building up a Google presence and reviews takes months. This helps today:
- A Google profile with opening hours, photos and current posts. More in Google Business Profile for Tradespeople.
- A website that loads quickly on a phone and says what you offer in Dessau-Roßlau.
- Consistent details for address and phone number everywhere online.
That is Local SEO: customers from your region find you when they search.
Sources
- City of Dessau-Roßlau: Amtsblatt no. 11, November 2026, “Auf ein Wort” with Mayor Robert Reck (page 2) and front page (in German)
- City of Dessau-Roßlau: Eine Stadt wird Buga and BUGA 2035 FAQ (as of 6 November 2026; the FAQ may be older than the decision of 14 October)
- Not legal advice. Details as of 6 November 2026.
