ÖBB and the town of Waidhofen an der Ybbs in Lower Austria have signed an urban development contract for the development of a new urban district in the area around the main railway station.
The signing of the contract marks the decisive start of one of the most important urban development projects in the coming years. A new, high-quality urban district will be created on the former site of the Ybbstalbahn railway line, located in the immediate vicinity of the station and approximately one kilometer from the historic city center.
This location combines excellent mobility advantages with a strong impetus for sustainable urban development. By redeveloping the former railway site, ÖBB is creating space for a new district that exploits the existing potential of the urban area without consuming new undeveloped land.
Following the discontinuation of the narrow-gauge railway line and the significant resizing of the current Citybahn area, an area of approximately 6,000 m² has become available, offering a clearly defined development opportunity with excellent public transport connections. A mixed use is planned, including office and service space, co-working areas, workshops, and public functions. The development of residential space on the upper floors is also being considered, and additional healthcare facilities are also possible as a natural complement to the complex. The total built area is approximately 17,200 m².
ÖBB will lease the land on a surface rights basis from 2027/2028 and will continue to develop the project together with the future holder of the building rights.
“With this project, we are not only creating space for a new urban district, but also sending a strong signal in favor of sustainable urban development. The reuse of existing railway land demonstrates how mobility, climate protection, and urban quality can go hand in hand,” said Silvia Angelo, member of the Management Board of ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG.
The site stands out due to its direct location in the station area and its fast connection to the district of Amstetten and, implicitly, to the Weststrecke railway line. The journey time is approximately 24 minutes, which is shorter than traveling by car. From an urban development perspective, the project is a key element of the city’s overall master plan, “Stadtprojekt 2.0,” which envisions a comprehensive urban revitalization of the entire station area.
An important milestone was reached in December with the approval of the urban development contract. This document forms the basis for the change of land use and is an essential quality assurance tool. Unlike classic land use contracts, which mainly regulate deadlines or types of use, the “Waidhofen Contract” establishes a binding master plan and the creation of a fast cycle route through the project area. In addition, the document provides for the mandatory organization of an architecture competition, the results of which, jointly judged by ÖBB and the local administration, are guaranteed by a catalog of quality criteria and monitoring by the city’s Construction Advisory Council.
Share on:
