Josef-Matthias-Hauer-Platz: Big plans for a new meeting center!

Josef-Matthias-Hauer-Platz: Big plans for a new meeting center!

Josefstadt, Österreich - On June 18, the first regular meeting of the district politicians of the Josefstadt took place - a meeting that brought both experienced and newly elected district councils to a table. At this session, in which 21 experienced and 19 newly elected council members took part, 13 applications were on the agenda that dealt with topics such as traffic, urban planning and security. The main focus was on the redesign of the Josef Matthias-Hauer-Platz, which ensures lively discussions in the population.

The application for comprehensive redesign, initiated by the Greens, the SPÖ, the NEOS and the KPÖ links, provides for a far-reaching redesign of the square and the surrounding streets. There is a plan for a through traffic that runs in a "loop" from the Skodagasse to Albertgasse. In addition, 16 new trees, flower beds and a central fountain are to be created on the place. A special focus is on strengthening cycling in the Skodagasse, where cycling against the one -way will be allowed.

Citizen participation and urban design

These changes are no coincidence: a citizen participation in spring 2025 was the starting point for the planned redesign. A survey in which all eligible residents of the Josefstadt were able to participate confirmed the desire for a more attractive place of space. The results of this survey were published in March 2025. District head Martin Fabisch emphasized the importance that the newly designed village square becomes a place of encounter, relaxation and community.

The planned measures also include traffic calming and extensive greening of the square. 20 new trees and numerous seating options should help to transform the space from a mere traffic junction into a living center. Market places and open-air events such as street concerts and open-air cinemas are other aspects that are taken into account in the planning.

criticism and support

The discussion about redesign does not remain without controversy. The club chairman of the ÖVP, Adam Christian, criticized the procedure and wording of the survey, which in his opinion was not up to date. In particular, he described the traffic study carried out in 2017. In contrast, the club chairman of the Greens, Markus Mondre, rejected this criticism and praised the transparent process of citizen participation.

The application for redesigning the Josef Matthias-Hauer-Platz was finally accepted. However, the votes from ÖVP and FPÖ were, however, what illustrates the tensions between the political parties in this process. The next district council meeting, which may be discussed further details on the implementation, will take place on September 24th.

With a strong focus on sustainable and inclusive urban planning, as is also indicated in arc.ed.tum.de Before an exciting transformation. The visions of a lively, green space with an improved microclimate could not only enrich the cityscape of the Josefstadt, but also significantly increase the quality of life of its residents.