Prammer stops controversial IT: U construction project in Linz - alternatives wanted

Prammer stops controversial IT: U construction project in Linz - alternatives wanted

The plans for the interdisciplinary transformation university Austria (IT: U) in Linz Dornach have suffered a setback. Dietmar Prammer, the responsible city council of the SPÖ, took back the decision to advance the relocation for the construction of the university. "The statements that we received from the population and the authorities were overwhelmingly negative, especially those of the country's spatial planning authority," said Prammer. This development brings the construction project, despite the initial approval of students in a transition location - the Science Park at the Johannes Kepler University (JKU) - to falter again.

The planned construction project met with massive criticism, not only from residents, but also from environmentalists. One of the greatest concerns referred to the possible "serious negative effects" of the location on nature conservation and general urban development in Linz. For example, the development could affect the city's cold air lips and further tighten the already tense traffic situation in the area.

reactions and future plans

The Directorate for Land Planning is now calling for an alternative location and has already contacted the owners of the Post City at Linz Central Station, where a new location is being discussed. The spokesman for Swiss Post, Markus Leitgeb, confirmed that Post City can be discussed as a possible option. Prammer expressed hope that the possibilities for the alternative location can be exploited quickly through a common appearance of the city, country and the federal government.

In order to understand the previous discussion about IT: U, it is important to mention that the location at the JKU was repeatedly criticized before the planning starts. A citizens' initiative was even founded that collected 7,000 signatures to protect the green belt from building. The initiative argued that the development of the grassland would be harmful to climate.

State Councilor Markus Achleitner, a member of the ÖVP, was very dissatisfied with the decision of the city and criticized that a previously agreed agreement would undermine Mellom and the Land. When it comes to compatibility with the existing nature conservation requirements, Achleitner pointed out that compensation measures were already in prospect.

The Ministry of Education was regretful and emphasized that IT: U was already well positioned with the appointment of professorships and the start of a PHD program. In an explanations, the need to find solutions for the now open questions was quickly emphasized. The IT: U itself expressed that this decision would come surprisingly, but emphasized that it continued to work on her goals and trust that a new location would be found.

criticism of the previous planning and outlook

The critical voices for choosing the location quickly formed after the rededication was taken back. The Greens, the FPÖ and the NEOS were pleased with the decision, which in their opinion protects the protection of the green belt. In particular, the role of urban planning and the lack of consideration of the citizens' opinions were addressed by various politicians. Representatives from civil society emphasized that the solution now found could initiate a phase of the constructive discussion about the future of educational institutions in Linz.

The overall picture shows a dynamic dialogue between the political actors and the population. Future planning could not only affect the creation of a new university location, but also ensure the integration of environmental protection initiatives and the preservation of green spaces. The active involvement of the public in such decision -making processes seems more than ever to find compromises and solutions that meet both the requirements of education and the needs of environmental protection.

It remains to be seen which specific steps the responsible companies in order to make IT: U in Linz a successful project. The next few weeks should be crucial for how the further planning and location search will take place in order to secure the new educational offers and the associated opportunities for the Linz region. Detailed information about this topic is on ooe.orf.at available.