Heat protection at the main train station: 35 new trees for fresh wind!

Heat protection at the main train station: 35 new trees for fresh wind!

District head Marcus Franz and traffic councilor Ulli Sima (both SPÖ) presented the redesign plans for the Vienna Central Station today. These include several measures to improve the quality of stay and to combat the heat, which is particularly noticeable in the currently gray and hot forecourts in the summer months. The planned measures include planting 35 new trees, the creation of green areas and the installation of cooling fog steles. This should not only improve the climate, but also upgrade the urban space with more green.

As part of this project, a total of 3,500 square meters of area are sealed. In particular, the forecourt in front of the main entrance of the train station was identified as a heat hotspot and is to be greened. The challenges in the greening are mainly in the underground structures of the station, which makes the implementation of solutions complicated. Currently, the existing planting troughs do not offer enough shade, so that a real difference in the quality of stay can only be achieved through extensive measures.

conversion plans and time frame

The conversion of the preliminary places will begin in the spring of 2026 on the back and in the summer of 2026 at the main entrance. In addition to the greening measures, a structurally separate two-direction cycle path next to the Wiedner belt is also created to improve the cycling conditions. This initiative is part of the comprehensive efforts to revitalize the public space in the city and to reconcile with the Vienna motto "Out of the asphalt", which aims at a fairer distribution and meaningful transformation of public space.

The total area of ​​the main station comprises 109 hectares and is not only a traffic hub, but also a center with shops. Since its opening on October 10, 2014, the main train station has been in operation as a national, international and regional traffic hub and has worked fully since December 13, 2015.

side projects and climate protection

As part of the “Livelihood City Livelihood” funding program, 100 million euros will be invested in greening and die-seal measures from 2021 to 2025. So far, over 320 projects have been fixed in all Viennese districts. This shows the commitment of the city of Vienna to improve public space and to actively combat climate change. The city is committed to increasing the funding for building greening and supports specifically refrigeration measures, especially in courtyards.

In addition, it is emphasized that the greening and draw-sealing takes place according to the principles of the sponge city concept in order to create local recreation islands and increase resilience compared to weather extremes. The measures should also be included in the amendment to the Wiener Bau regulations in order to ensure the protection and expansion of green infrastructures.

The city of Vienna contributes to improving the urban climate and enables citizens to actively participate in the design of their surroundings. With innovative approaches such as the "cooling brisk", which offers best practice examples for climate-effective measures, the redesign of public space in Vienna will continue to promote.

For more information on the redesign plans for the main train station, you can find the detailed reports from Krone , wien.gv.at and wien.gv.at special