World Heritage Status: This was affirmed by Vienna's Mayor Ludwig

The Mayor and Governor of Vienna, Michael Ludwig (SPÖ), reaffirmed in the state parliament on Friday that efforts will continue to ensure that the World Heritage status of the Inner City is preserved. This status is at risk due to the planned construction project at Heumarkt. Ludwig referred to measures that have been taken recently but also noted that the investor cannot be forced to submit a specific variant.

Ludwig promises "high commitment"

"The City of Vienna will continue to work with high commitment to create a viable solution for all parties involved, which reflects both planning security and a responsible approach to cultural heritage," promised the city leader. He pointed out that the City of Vienna has already defined a precise framework for the development of the Heumarkt area with the current land use and development plan.

Further "great efforts" have been made in connection with the project, Ludwig recalled, such as repeated redesigns or legal changes in the building code or stricter regulations for high-rise locations. He also highlighted the management plan for the World Heritage Historic Center.

Vienna's Inner City on Red List

The ball is now in the court of the submitter Wertinvest to present a project that can also be implemented. The interest in changing and thereby improving the area at Heumarkt is certainly great, noted Ludwig. He did not want to comment on ongoing proceedings before the Federal Administrative Court or possible EIA obligations.

The Heumarkt tower project has already been repeatedly resized after concerns from UNESCO, which feared impacts on the cityscape. Currently, the plan is to construct a residential building with a height of 49.95 meters and to limit the new construction of the Intercontinental Hotel to 47.85 meters. The inner city remains for the time being on the Red List of endangered World Heritage sites.

ÖVP Sees Ping-Pong Game

The Vienna ÖVP reacted skeptically. "The mayor has once again shown today that he has no clear line and certainly no coherent plan to protect our World Heritage in the matter of the Heumarkt project," said planning spokeswoman Elisabeth Olischar. The responsibility continues to be shifted back and forth like in a ping-pong game. Even the smallest variant is not compatible with the World Heritage, she was convinced, referring to recent proceedings.

Read more about Vienna's urban development here.

(APA/Red)

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