Federal Administrative Court: Heumarkt project needs environmental assessment!

Federal Administrative Court: Heumarkt project needs environmental assessment!

The planned Heumarkt project in Vienna-Landstrasse is causing a lot of excitement. The Federal Administrative Court (BVwG) recently decided that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is necessary. This ruling could slow down the construction project significantly - there could be a delay of up to a year if all requirements are not met.

In a comprehensive, 96-page finding, the BVwG found that the implementation of the project could potentially have negative effects on the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historical Center of Vienna”. This is of course a big deal for those responsible, because a building permit can only be granted with a positive environmental assessment, which is tantamount to a wet dream for many real estate developers. According to the plans, a residential tower with a height of 56.5 meters and a hotel with a height of 47.85 meters will be built, which have already caused discussions.

UNESCO sets strict standards

UNESCO has now rejected all variants of the Heumarkt project and is demanding extensive changes. This makes it clear: International experts see the planned buildings as a significant threat to Vienna's historical heritage. The fact that the city of Vienna and the investor Michael Tojner previously saw no need for an EIA caused people to shake their heads. A report by city planner Christa Reicher, which supported this, was strongly questioned by various sides, including environmental organizations. The environmental organization “Alliance for Future” had already pointed out that the city government's decision was based on sand, but it looks like their warnings had not gone unheeded.

Markus Figl, the city district leader and Vienna ÖVP state party chairman, is also skeptical about the project. He expressed that it was not suitable for World Heritage status and vehemently criticized the city government, which, in his opinion, ignored the warnings.

A step back for investors

The investor's lawyer, Karl Liebenwein, is surprised by the BVwG's decision and is considering taking action against the ruling. Even though the city had given clear signals in favor of the project in the past, a new round of dispute could now begin. The uncertainties surrounding the Heumarkt project are far from being resolved.

The situation poses a challenge not only to residents, but also to environmentalists and investors. The Heumarkt project therefore remains controversial and the discussion about the right level of modern building in a historical context will probably continue for some time.

Further information is available at Today, ORF Vienna and Lower Austrian news to find.