Stadterneuerung

Urban Renewal, general term covering all measures designed to rehabilitate old and dilapidated urban quarters, the repair of infrastructural defects and the promotion of the economic and social development of city centres. Focal points are the preservation of historical quarters and the creation of adequate living conditions (Wohnhaussanierungsgesetz - Housing Rehabilitation Act of 1984). Particular significance attaches to the Urban Renewal Act of 1974, which includes measures empowering urban authorities to enforce area renewal measures. In the interest of preserving buildings and areas of historical and cultural value in Vienna, the Vienna Building Regulations were amended in 1972 by the Preservation of Old City Quarters Act (Altstadterhaltungsgesetz); the Vienna Altstadterhaltungsfonds is responsible for funding such activities in Vienna, and similar measures have been taken to ensure the preservation and rehabilitation of important quarters and buildings in the cities of Salzburg and Graz. Other important legal bases for urban renewal are the Housing Improvement Act (Wohnungsverbesserungsgesetz) and housing promotion legislation. Public support for urban renewal is to be ensured by "soft" measures.

Literature: E. Lichtenberger, Stadtverfall und Stadterneuerung, 1990.