New MCI building: BIG shows interest in Innsbruck project

New MCI building: BIG shows interest in Innsbruck project

The lengthy discussion about the new building of the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) could have taken a positive turn. Contrary to initial reports that the Federal Real Estate Company (BIG) rejected the idea, it remains interested in realizing the project.

The MCI project, which has been the focus of state and city politics for years, has recently struggled with sharply rising construction costs. The politically responsible, including the regional councilor Georg Dornauer from the SPÖ, who is responsible for building construction, have selected BIG as a potential partner for the construction. In a recent exchange with BIG representatives in Vienna, Dornauer expressed optimism about the progress of the negotiations. “We are in excellent negotiations and discussions,” he told ORF Tirol on Wednesday.

Negotiations and cooperation

Upon request, BIG confirmed that these discussions were perceived as “constructive”. An important prerequisite is the formal transfer of building rights by the city of Innsbruck, which owns the property. Mayor Johannes Anzengruber emphasized that the city was positive about the construction plan and would do everything in its power to ensure its feasibility. “We are committed to ensuring that the MCI can be built at the planned location and we will do everything we can to achieve this,” said Anzengruber.

Nevertheless, responsibility for the continuation of the negotiations remains with the country. Anzengruber pointed out that the state's decision on the course of negotiations with the BIG was crucial. He explained that the city is ready to move forward with the plan, but now the initiative from the state is needed.

Financing models for new buildings

Dornauer has legitimate hopes that BIG will accept the order. He advocates a rent-to-own model, in which the financing would be covered by rental payments in the first few years, while the state would have the option to buy the building over the next 30 to 50 years. “This means that nothing would actually stand in the way of the new MCI building,” said the state council. However, such hopes have been expressed several times in the past, so the skepticism of many observers is understandable.

The discussion about the construction of the MCI remains exciting. While political actors appear optimistic, many stakeholders are waiting for concrete results. The success of the current negotiations could be decisive for the further course and final realization of the new building.

Current reports provide more details on this topic on tirol.orf.at.