The location for IT:U is controversial and the number of critics is large. As reported, in order to build the new digital university, an area of around five hectares near the JKU in Linz-Urfahr will need to be repurposed. More than 400 statements – most of them negative – are available.
The winning project (the client is BIG) has already been presented; construction was actually supposed to start at the end of 2025. Nothing will come of this – at least not at the planned location. The deputy mayor Dietmar Prammer, who is responsible for the Linz planning department (he is currently in charge of official business), announced on Monday that the rezoning near Altenberger Straße was over.
Statement from Vice Mayor Dietmar Prammer, SPÖ:
The reason he cited was a disastrous statement from the state, specifically the Directorate of State Planning. The planned construction project contradicts sustainable urban development, especially with regard to climate and nature conservation. Negative effects on the cold air flow and wild animals are feared, and the increasing traffic load in the district is also viewed negatively.
“I am stopping the proceedings today,” Prammer said in a hastily called press conference. The city of Linz remains committed to IT:U and will do everything in its power to find an alternative location. Finding such an alternative location is also recommended in the state’s statement.
Post City als Alternative?
Prammer mentioned the Post City area near Linz main train station as possible alternatives. The postal service is open to negotiations, said Prammer. He mentioned the Nestle area in the Franckviertel as another option.
With the stopped rezoning of IT:U, the planned master concept for the Linz university district is also off the table. This should have defined areas for company settlements.
Achleitner was angry
The anger was written all over the face of State Economics Councilor Markus Achleitner (VP) when he appeared in front of journalists 15 minutes late on Monday morning. He had originally invited people to a press conference about land consumption at eleven o’clock. “The topic has changed, I received a call from City Councilor Prammer half an hour ago,” said Achleitner, becoming emotional: The fact that the city of Linz is now opposing a “project of the century” is “irresponsible.” This will of course be implemented, but possibly at a different location. “We probably have to look at the whole of Upper Austria again,” said Achleitner.
Statement from Economic Affairs Minister Markus Achleitner, ÖVP:
He criticized Prammer heavily. This would act out of a “personal fear of gambling away the mayoral election”. The statement did not come from the state of Upper Austria, but from the magistrate of the city of Linz, emphasized Provincial Councilor Achleitner. “The state did not raise any objections to the IT:U project.”
Prammer disagrees
Prammer strongly contradicts this, of course it’s not about the mayoral election. He makes this decision in his role as the deputy mayor responsible for city planning. He insists that the statement quoted today comes from the Directorate of State Planning, Economic and Rural Development. In addition, there would also be negative statements from the magistrate.
Prammer confirms that the state directorate’s statement does not object to the rezoning per se. However, the numerous concerns raised regarding nature conservation, climate and traffic speak for themselves.
This is what IT:U says
In response to OÖN’s request, IT:U said that the city of Linz’s decision came as a very surprise. The IT:U has already started teaching as the new technical university in Linz and is “on the development path as planned”. So work can be done, today’s decision has no influence on that. Addendum: “And we trust the politicians’ statement that another good location for IT:U will be found in Linz.”
The IT:U is currently housed in the JKU Science Park – the eleven founding professors started their work last week. She is currently looking for additional premises for expansion.
“Regrettable decision”
The Ministry of Education speaks of a regrettable decision. The new university has already successfully appointed professors and is also well positioned with its newly launched PHD program. IT:U will have enough space to work on its projects over the next few years; the ministry is fully behind the important project. The questions that now arise must be assessed quickly in the next few days, it goes on to say.
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