€170 Million Investment For Klagenfurt’s New Prison

€170 Million Investment For Klagenfurt’s New Prison

APA/PETER LINDNER

On Tuesday, the groundbreaking ceremony took place for the long-planned construction of the new Klagenfurt Correctional Facility. This €170 million project, located north of the airport, will replace the aging prison in downtown Klagenfurt and is set to house 425 inmates, with completion expected by the end of 2027.

Friedrich Alexander Koenig, the Director General for Penal and Measures Execution, called the ceremony “the beginning of a new chapter in corrections.” He emphasized that the new facility symbolizes progress, combining modern security standards with sustainable construction. A focus on inmate rehabilitation will enable the implementation of work structures within the prison, which is crucial for preventing recidivism.

Koenig also highlighted the importance of improving working conditions for staff. “Everyone doing this valuable work deserves an environment that best supports them,” he said, noting that staff needs were prioritized during the planning process. The new facility marks a significant advancement in the penal system, focusing on humanity, safety, and rehabilitation.

Gerald Beck, Managing Director of the Federal Real Estate Company, described the construction project as remarkable and emphasized the technical and planning challenges it presents. The project will involve 100 deep boreholes to harness geothermal energy, with a long-term goal of achieving self-sufficiency without fossil fuels. A 750-kilowatt peak photovoltaic system will contribute to this aim.

Currently, 25 local companies are involved in the construction, and Beck stated that the budget is expected to be maintained. The new correctional facility represents a “sustainable improvement for our society,” providing a “safer, more modern building focused on human rights.”

Deputy Governor Gabriele Schaunig (SPÖ) pointed out the current suboptimal working conditions in the existing Klagenfurt facility, where space issues and deteriorating buildings are prevalent. She praised the performance of the staff, adding, “When the penal system functions, it benefits society as a whole—because the most important part is what happens afterward.”

 

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