Activities in Slovakia
The main goal of Brezno was to revitalize a railway station by creating spaces for public use, especially for young people in the area that are using train.
Brezno is a small district town located in the center of Slovakia, just under Low Tatra mountains. It is also a main access point to the Horehronie rural area and national parks.
One of the main means “to get there” is a train.
Brezno has two train stations. The main railway station is combined with the bus station, but is distant from the town. On the other hand, Brezno mesto train station (“Small station”) is located near the town center.
But, how did the station endure the years? It was in desperate need of refurbishment. The waiting area of the station has been inaccessible for years. First floor offices spaces can be rented. Outside is one platform with toilets for passengers. The entire space was deteriorated and inappropriate for public transport.
The station building and surrounding space is owned by Slovak Railways. The fact is that they no longer used it for railway services and had no plan for its revitalization. On the other hand, Slovak Railways were interested to cooperate with Municipality of Brezno on reconstruction of the building.
After the reconstruction, co-financed by Youmobil, there is a library and a gallery on the ground floor. Spaces were designed by local young artists. It is now used as a meeting room for Youth Parliament.
Youth Parliament is a young people organization that tries to make the town of Brezno more interesting. They organize various events and workshops for the general public with the town council support. They are involved in international projects and exchanges with partner cities through Erasmus+. Their goal is to involve young people to town´s activities, support their creativity and bring new and interesting events. They voluntarily organize their own events and participate in the preparation of some of the town´s sports, cultural and social events.
They were also involved in the Youmobil project by helping to improve Brezno small train station and proposing their ideas to make public transport more attractive. Now, part of the building is used for their meetings, small exhibitions, workshops, discussions and other, mostly chamber events. They have great ideas and having their own space to implement, can inspire other young people to join them.
Another part of the ground floor hosts railway exhibition, accessible from the former ticket hall.
The exterior of the station was transformed to a more pleasant area for travelling public, by creating communal gardens, placing street furniture, small playground for children and bicycle stand.
