Saving the old WU: renovation should bring in 700 million euros!

Saving the old WU: renovation should bring in 700 million euros!

A dispute is brewing in Vienna over the planned Althangrund campus, which is considered the largest educational project in Austria. A new university campus is to be built at the site of the Old Economic University (WU) in the 9th district with a budget of around one billion euros. While the Federal Real Estate Company (BIG) speaks of a modern transformation, there is resistance from the “Allianz Alte WU” initiative, which vehemently protests against the demolition of 60 percent of the striking building. MyDistrict reports that Allianz criticizes that the hoped-for preservation could save up to 700 million euros through renovation.

The site is currently being prepared by the Federal Real Estate Company (BIG). While the initiative points to “demolition without a plan”, BIG has already initiated gutting measures and terminated contracts with cultural institutions for interim use until the end of January. This decision was justified by safety risks during the removal of pollutants by 2027, but raises the question of whether the site will remain in ruins for years after possible demolition. The alliance warns that there should be no demolition without secured financing and before the architectural competition has been completed. According to BIG, the demolition should only begin after the competition, which will invite the jury to meet in February 2026 at the earliest.

The resistance of the Alte WU Alliance

The “Allianz Alte WU” demands that the preservation of at least 40 percent of the supporting structure must be the top priority. So far, only the coverage of the freight station has been ensured, which does not include many parts of the surrounding area. Architect Johannes Zeininger has even suggested locating critical areas such as laboratories at other locations to maintain the integrity of the campus. BIG's argument that the existing building does not meet today's requirements for earthquake safety, lighting and room heights is also under discussion.

The Althangrund campus will provide space for two universities and two federal schools, a total of around 20,000 students. In the context of the current planning and the open questions surrounding financing and architecture, there are fears that dismantling without clear plans and financing could lead to a half-finished state. The project is intended as part of the modernization initiative of the city of Vienna and the educational landscape, but it remains unclear how the different interests can be reconciled.

Public perception and planning

The public discussion about the future of the site is supported by a large banner at the Alte WU, which makes the Alliance's criticism visible. These fears about the loss of established social structures and the question of their preservation have become increasingly louder in recent weeks. The current status shows that the BIG is prepared to remain in dialogue with citizens' initiatives and will not begin any demolition before the ministries give their approval. However, it remains to be seen how these challenges will be resolved in the final decision of the expert jury, which includes representatives from the Chamber of Architects, ministries and the City of Vienna.

At the same time, the Ministry of Science is providing information about other projects such as the renovation of the main library of the University of Vienna am Ring, which will offer space for more than twice as many users from 2025. What is developing positively in the educational landscape on the one hand is reflected on the other hand in the tensions surrounding projects such as the new Althangrund campus. The Ministry highlights the importance of the library as a space for knowledge; However, the question arises as to how these measures can be reconciled with the concerns surrounding the Althangrund campus.

The next few weeks and months will be crucial for the development of the Althangrund campus. Above all, collaboration between authorities, architects and civil society is required in order to find a sustainable solution for this unique location.