Ecological concerns stop building in the green belt: Where does the IT: U now?

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The latest developments related to the new digital university IT: U raise questions about the future of the project. After the executive mayor Dietmar Prammer, member of the SPÖ, canceled the planned building in the green belt of Linz-Auhof due to ecological concerns, Wels and Steyr quickly went on the offensive to appear as possible locations for the university.

Governor Thomas Stelzer from the ÖVP sees the situation a “chance of century” for Upper Austria and would like to take this opportunity to drive digital training in the region. Despite the cancellation, the search for a suitable location for IT: U remains on the table. The contradictions within the project illustrate the challenges with which those responsible are confronted.

locations in Wels and Steyr in focus

With two potential locations near the train station and the university of applied sciences,

Wels has positioned itself, which include approved construction projects and thus offer a large office space. Mayor Andreas Rabl (FPÖ) is optimistic that Wels as a location for IT: U will be seriously considered, especially since the EWW group will shift its company headquarters in the next two years.

Steyr also advertises the new educational institution. Mayor Markus Vogl (SPÖ) emphasizes that Steyr is a city of education with comprehensive offers and emphasizes the availability of interesting areas in a central location. Here the city positions itself as an attractive location for IT: U, which is considered pioneering in the industry.

Nevertheless, alternative space offers are not off the table in Linz. Prammer has brought other areas into play, including a former Swiss Post Distribution Center. This shows how urgently the city administration is looking for solutions to keep the university at the Linz location.

The decision for the original location was due to an agreement between the Republic of Austria and the state of Upper Austria. Critics have already criticized the undemocratic definition without alternatives and without the rededication of the site.

"We have to use the Century Center IT: U in Upper Austria," emphasized Stelzer, who expressed hope that a new location will be found quickly with the support of the federal government. Until a decision is made, the premises of the Johannes Kepler University (JKU) already used should continue to be used for IT: U, which should represent an interim solution.

The need for a quick solution is emphasized among the political actors. The SPÖ science spokeswoman Doris Margreiter praised the alternative search for locations, while at the same time pointing out the importance of further clarifying the basic questions about IT: U. It must be ensured that the overturned start of the project does not endanger its long -term success.

Doris Hummer, President of the WKOÖ, also called for a return to a factual discussion and a high pace in the identification of new locations. The pressure on those responsible is noticeable, because the success of IT: U is considered crucial for the digital transformation of the region. The focus is now on finding a suitable location that meets the high expectations and offers the students optimal conditions. Details on this topic can be found on www.diepresse.com