Viennese school construction in a balancing act: saving or investing in education?

Viennese school construction in a balancing act: saving or investing in education?

In the city of Vienna, school expansion is facing a turning point. The current austerity measures suggest that plans for numerous new buildings and expansions are currently being put to the test. The expansion of the educational infrastructure, which will include over 70 projects by 2033, could suffer from the pressure to save money. This reports meinkreis.at. Despite these challenges, the goal remains to maintain school operations at all locations.

Several school locations are currently under construction or expansion in 2025. The following projects are to be completed by 2026:

• 10. Bezirk, Feuchterslebengasse 65 – Neubau mit 12 Bildungsräumen und schulischer Tagesbetreuung
• 10. Bezirk, Josef-Enslein-Platz 13 – Zubau mit 4 zusätzlichen Bildungsräumen
• 10. Bezirk, Tesarekplatz 4 – Zubau mit 10 Bildungsräumen
• 21. Bezirk, Dr. Skala-Straße 43–45 – Zubau mit 9 Bildungsräumen (Teilfertigstellung 2027)
• 21. Bezirk, Marco-Polo-Platz 9 – Ersatzquartier mit 12 Bildungsräumen
• 21. Bezirk, Tomaschekstraße 44 – Zubau mit 9 Bildungsräumen
• 22. Bezirk, Eßlinger Hauptstraße 97 – Zubau mit 12 Bildungsräumen

Financial challenges and investments

With a total budget of 192 million euros until 2026, the city plans to cover the increasing need for school space, especially in view of the continuous increase in compulsory school children - around 4,000 per year presse.wien.gv.at notes. City Councilor for Education Christoph Wiederkehr emphasizes the high need for additional school space, especially because of the influx of families into Seestadt.

In addition to the projects already planned, applications are to be presented to the local council in the 2025/26 school year in order to secure new school space in the long term.

Future-oriented school projects

The city of Vienna has set itself the goal of creating learning environments that meet current educational requirements. Temporary mobile classes are to be set up, including at the Neilreichgasse location. 12 educational rooms and multifunctional areas are being created here to meet the high demands of the students.

The current projects should be continued as planned as much as possible. Responsible use of financial resources is the top priority, as education remains an unshakable priority for the city.

It remains to be seen how developments in the Vienna area will continue. One thing is clear, however: planning in the area of ​​education continues to be of great importance. The current challenges must be met with a good hand in order to do justice to the growing school community. Information about the details of savings from budget adjustments is still pending, but the city is staying tuned.