4.1 Two WieNeu block renewal zones in the Grätzl 20+2 programme area
wohnfonds_wien, the City of Vienna's Fund for Housing and Urban Renewal, uses the WieNeu block renewal zones to initiate subsidised refurbishment projects and structural improvements across multiple properties, facilitated by networking and cooperation with local property owners and stakeholders within the framework of WieNeu. The WieNeu block renewal zones are an important tool for urban regeneration, helping to make neighbourhoods climate-proof and fit for the future.
Two block renewal zones were defined within the Grätzl 20+2 programme area:
- Alliiertenviertel+ and
- Alt-BrigitteNeu.
Find out more here: https://www.wohnfonds.wien.at/wieneu_blocksanierung (German)
WieNeu block renewal projects pursue an integrated approach to urban regeneration, incorporating housing refurbishment, mixed use with the emphasis on vibrant ground-floor zones, and climate- and energy-related improvements. A special focus is placed on phasing out fossil fuels in cooperation with Vienna's energy provider, Wien Energie.
Other key measures in the two zones include optimising built density, greening and unsealing, upgrade of the public space, and transport links to the neighbouring urban development zones (Nordbahnhof, Nordwestbahnhof).
Key projects
Individual refurbishment projects within the Alliiertenviertel+ and Alt-BrigitteNeu block renewal zones are strategically or operationally important and thus require special attention and resources. They are often highly complex and strategically relevant.
Example project: Lessinggasse 19, 1020 Vienna
The "Lessinggasse 19" project involves future-proofing of an existing building with regard to sustainability, energy efficiency and development of the residential space. The project combines climate-friendly measures with a significant upgrade of the housing quality. A roof-level extension will give the option of creating additional living space.
A key element of the project is a retrofit of the energy supply system involving connection of the building to the local district heating network, an important step towards decarbonisation and reduced use of fossil fuels. As part of the refurbishment all existing windows in the building will be replaced with energy-efficient ones, thus reducing heat loss and energy consumption and enhancing home comfort. The plans also include retrofitting of balconies to further improve the quality of the dwelling units. Targeted unsealing of the rear courtyard will restore the natural soil functions and create a surface where rainwater can seep away, a measure that will also improve the courtyard microclimate. The unsealing measures in the courtyard will be complemented by greening of the facade to enhance the microclimate still further.
Find out more here: https://www.wohnfonds.wien.at/wieneu_blocksanierung (German)
Alliiertenviertel+
The Alliiertenviertel+ block renewal zone comprises a total of 26 city blocks.
The Alliiertenviertel+ neighbourhood is situated between the Nordwestbahnhof and Nordbahnhof urban development zones and bordered to the west by the Augarten park and to the south by Lessinggasse and Darwingasse. The blocks between Lampigasse and Nordwestbahnstraße link the neighbourhood to the WieNeu programme area "Alt-BrigitteNeu" in the 20th district.
To promote further take-up of district heating, the buildings along Springergasse were incorporated into the programme area.
The programme period began in June 2022 with the preparatory phase and the appointment of the advisory board, with ongoing work on key projects due to continue until April 2028.
Evaluation: WieNeu Alliiertenviertel+ neighbourhood, January 2022 to September 2025
- 72 consultations
- 12 funding applications
- 4 key projects completed
- 12 contacts established for key projects
Alt-BrigitteNeu
The neighbourhood extends northward from the Augarten park with Stromstraße at its northern edge and comprises a total of 27 city blocks. Jägerstraße forms its western border, with Nordwestbahnstraße and the adjacent Nordwestbahnhof urban development zone to the east.
The programme period began in June 2022 with the preparatory phase and the appointment of the advisory board, with ongoing work on key projects due to continue until November 2027.
Alongside the classic late-19th-century city blocks, this neighbourhood also contains a number of large-scale municipal housing complexes.
Evaluation: WieNeu Alt-BrigitteNeu neighbourhood, January 2022 to September 2025
- 41 consultations
- 6 funding applications
- 6 key projects completed
- 13 contacts established for key projects
Project partners
- wohnfonds_wien (Vienna Fund for Housing Construction and Urban Renewal)
- POINTNER Architektur ZT GmbH