The outcry following the announcement at the beginning of October was great, and now the deputy mayor of Linz, Dietmar Prammer (SP), who is responsible for planning agendas, has officially drawn a line under the plans to repurpose the IT:U campus near the Johannes Kepler University in Urfahr. On Tuesday he signed the so-called “Contrarius Actus” and with his signature officially ended the process of changing the zoning plan and the local development concept. This means that the master plan for business settlements is also history.
“I am drawing a clear line in the sand here and will not agree to the rezoning to building land at this location,” emphasized Prammer in a broadcast. With this step he wants to put a stop to speculation about a continuation of the project after the mayoral elections in January.
“IT:U belongs in Linz”
The SPÖ had supported the location for years, and together with the ÖVP there would have been the necessary majority for the rezoning in the local council. Prammer justifies his change of opinion with the negative effects on nature and the climate that are expected from the development. As has been reported several times, there is great anger about the move at the state level.
Despite this decision, the Digital University wants to keep Prammer in Linz. “IT:U belongs in the IT stronghold Linz – and we are already working intensively on examining alternative locations. Linz is characterized by its pioneering role in digitalization and therefore offers the best conditions for the new university,” he says.
With the city of Linz saying no, there is also great interest from other parts of the country – cities such as Wels, Steyr, Hagenberg and Leonding have expressed interest. The Federal Real Estate Company is currently examining possible locations. Linz is anchored as a location in the founding law of IT:U. A location outside the state capital is therefore not possible without change. Education Minister Martin Polaschek (VP) wants to stick to Linz, State Governor Thomas Stelzer (VP) has not yet made a final decision here.
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**Interview with Dietmar Prammer, Deputy Mayor of Linz**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today. It’s been a busy time for you since the announcement regarding the IT:U campus. Can you share your thoughts on the decision to halt the rezoning plans?
**Dietmar Prammer:** Thank you for having me. Making the decision to end the rezoning process was not something I took lightly. I felt it was essential to draw a clear line regarding the future of the IT:U campus. My primary concern was the potential negative impact on our environment. In today’s world, we must prioritize our climate and natural resources, and this project would have compromised that.
**Editor:** You mentioned in your statement that you want to stop speculation about future developments. What led to your change of heart on this issue?
**Dietmar Prammer:** The response from the community was overwhelming. Many individuals expressed their concerns over the development’s environmental implications. As a representative of the people, it’s my duty to listen to these voices. Holding off on the rezoning reflects a commitment to sustainable decision-making in Linz.
**Editor:** There seems to be significant support for maintaining the IT:U in Linz. Can you elaborate on why you believe IT:U is essential for the city?
**Dietmar Prammer:** Absolutely. Linz has established itself as a stronghold in the IT sector, and the Digital University aligns perfectly with our vision for the city. It not only boosts our local economy but also enhances our reputation as a leader in digital education and innovation. We want to ensure that IT:U remains part of our community, and we are actively exploring alternative locations that meet our city’s developmental goals without sacrificing our environment.
**Editor:** Other cities, such as Wels and Steyr, have expressed interest in hosting the IT:U. How do you see this competition playing out?
**Dietmar Prammer:** While I understand that other cities are interested, it’s crucial to remember that Linz is where IT:U was founded, and its roots are deeply embedded here. We are committed to finding a suitable solution within our boundaries that honors this legacy. However, we must also be pragmatic and prepare for all possibilities as we navigate these discussions.
**Editor:** what’s next for you and the city in terms of planning for the future of the IT:U?
**Dietmar Prammer:** Our immediate focus is on communicating with stakeholders to outline viable alternatives. We’ll work closely with the founding bodies and the state to ensure that any future decisions regarding IT:U are in line with our values of sustainability and innovation. The commitment to maintaining IT:U in Linz remains strong, and we will keep the public informed throughout the process.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dietmar, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how this situation evolves and hope for a positive outcome for both IT:U and Linz.
**Dietmar Prammer:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these important issues.
