Vienna in change: City winding plan 2035 and new projects unveiled!

Vienna in change: City winding plan 2035 and new projects unveiled!

On June 24, 2025, a decisive meeting on the urban development of Vienna took place in the Vienna municipal council. GR Ernst Holzmann (SPÖ) praised the Department of Urban Development and Urban Planning for the new urban development plan 2035, known as Vienna Plan, which acts as a central control element for the spatial and structural development of the city. This plan, which is revised every ten years, is expected to be decided in April 2025 and is valid for the next ten years. It was explained that existing urban areas are sufficient for the development of infrastructure and that no additional urban extension areas are necessary. In addition, the city's green share is guaranteed to at least 50 % to promote the quality of life and reduce heat islands.

The measures already implemented as part of the Vienna Plan, including the improvement of the quality of stay by redesigning the Enkplatz in Simmering, for which the architecture and urban design department was praised. In addition, 50 new trees have been planted to support climate protection and improve the city climate. These steps are in line with the climate goals, which are also required for resource -friendly and climate -friendly urban development at an international level, as the Federal Ministry of Development (BMZ) emphasizes. The focus is on the minimization of energy consumption of buildings through natural and sustainable construction work.

urban development and challenges

The discussion about urban development was criticized by GR Thomas Kreutzinger (FPÖ), which accused the red-pink coalition of empty promises, especially at small and medium-sized companies, such as the Viennese taxi business. He also noticed that the obligation to use electric cars for taxis was perceived as stressful.

grin Ing. Astrid Rompolt, MA (SPÖ), emphasized the importance of Praterstrasse as a central north-south axis and underlined the integration of the residents and entrepreneurs into the planning processes. The creation of transparent and comprehensible numbers in relation to the cycling infrastructure is important, as GR Kilian Stark (Greens) noted. Office Strin Mag. Ulli Sima (SPÖ) reported 22 million euros, which are to be invested in the expansion of the cycling infrastructure in 2024, and declined temporary duations on main roads to implement necessary traffic measures.

criticisms and investment plans

The criticism expressed in the discussions were taken up by GR Lorenz Mayer (ÖVP), who blamed the city administration for an allegedly lacking willingness to design and the increasing debt. He called for shorter renovation intervals for community buildings to meet the need for new living space. This topic is also part of the 2024+ residential building offensive, the Grin Dipl.-Ing. Selma Arapovic (Neos) brought into play. She referred to social responsibility regarding living space and the positive effects of renovations on climate neutrality.

Overall, the meeting of the local council shows how complex and complex the process of urban development in Vienna is. In view of the pressing challenges of climate change and urbanization, which also affect the global community, a holistic approach to improve urban living space is essential. This is underpinned by the continuous discussion and planning of Vienna Plan and the integration of sustainable development into political measures.