Urban development

What will become of the Schendlingen district?

The hub of the district: Südtirolerplatz.

(Bild: Christoph Skofic)

The Schendlingen district of Bregenz will undergo fundamental change due to the partial demolition of the Südtiroler estate. A framework plan is now to show the potential for optimization.

On Tuesday, Bregenz City Council decided to have external experts draw up a framework plan for the development of the Schendlingen district by the end of the year, on the basis of which any new buildings and conversions, the public space in between and the social structures in the community can be better designed. The study is expected to cost 58,000 euros - money well spent, especially as the district has considerable potential for improvement.

Schendlingen is basically a relic of the urban sprawl of the 1960s and 1970s, albeit with a spatial planning gem at its center, namely the extensive South Tyrolean settlement. However, as is well known, this will largely have to make way for various new buildings in the coming years, as a result of which the cohesive structure and charm of the estate could be lost. The framework plan will therefore also be incorporated into the upcoming competition for this redesign.

"People should feel comfortable"
In any case, there is great concern in Schendlingen that - once again - the interests of investors will ultimately take precedence over the needs of residents. This is one of the reasons why the study was commissioned, emphasizes Bregenz Mayor Michael Ritsch (SPÖ): "Many Bregenz residents spend a large part of their time in their neighbourhood. It is therefore an important task of politicians, together with the population and experts, to create the framework conditions for the highest possible quality of life so that people feel comfortable not only within their own four walls, but also outside of this space."