Mariahilfer Straße: New pearls and more green for top shopping flair!

Mariahilfer Straße: New pearls and more green for top shopping flair!

The outer Mariahilfer Straße, one of the shopping streets with great potential in the 15th district, is currently being completely renovated. The first phase of the renovation was officially opened on Friday morning. Among those present were the planning councilor Ulli Sima (SPÖ), the Neos club chairwoman Selma Arapović and district leader Dietmar Baurecht (SPÖ). While some business owners complain that the number of customers is not yet satisfactory, Baurecht is optimistic and emphasizes how important small shops are to the street's charm.

The street will be a one-way street heading out of town, which should enable a better distribution of street space. Redesigned, passers-by now have wider sidewalks of up to five meters at their disposal, which offer green spaces integrated into the design. A total of 19 new trees will be planted in the first section and more than 800 square meters of additional green space will be created. There will also be 16 seating areas, five mist areas for cooling down and at least 50 new bicycle parking spaces. The trams retain their own track so as not to disrupt public transport. The conversion will be carried out in conjunction with necessary renovation work on the water pipes and the connection to the district heating.

A place for diversity and relaxation

The newly opened section offers a successful mix of old and new. Building law describes this area as one of the “pearls” of the street. Here, urban life meets an inviting atmosphere with more green spaces, shade and benches that invite you to linger. A large furniture store and the popular Garda ice cream shop are already attracting their first customers.

In the citizen survey, which was presented in the fall, residents' ideas about the redesign were collected. The results were incorporated into the first concept for making the outer Mariahilfer Straße even more attractive. The second construction phase, which is scheduled to begin in autumn 2025, will further advance the modernization. Plans include two water features, five drinking hydrants, 14 fog points and 45 new trees.

A positive signal for the future

The redesign aims to make the outer Mariahilfer Straße an important cycle axis in the main cycle network in the west of Vienna. The planned measures are part of a broader plan that is also intended to improve the quality of life in the surrounding areas. Proximity to modes of transport and attractive lounges are crucial points. It remains to be hoped that the empty shops will soon bring life back to the streets and that the change will be recognized not just as a renovation measure, but as the start of a new era.

Overall, it is clear that the plans for the outer Mariahilfer Straße are in tune with the times and are aimed at sustainable, livable urban development. Finally, Baurecht emphasizes that greater traffic calming in the neighborhood around Clementinengasse is planned in the near future in order to further improve the living environment. These steps can also serve as a model for other urban development projects, such as those being pursued in Berlin, where the focus is on strengthening environmentally friendly modes of transport.

Another exciting chapter for the outer Mariahilfer Straße begins, and all eyes are excited about the coming developments.