15 apartments are being built above the supermarket
politics
In Salzburg-Gnigl, an existing supermarket with 15 subsidized rental apartments is being built over for the first time. Such plans have been around for a long time, but they have never been implemented. Politicians hope that this example will now set a precedent.
Outdated supermarkets and the guests who follow need a lot of space. This is in short supply, especially in the city. In order to meet the shortage of space, a Penny-Markt branch in the Salzburg district of Gnigl is now to be built over for the first time with 15 subsidized rental apartments including parking spaces. “There are no longer any large areas in the city. That means we have to fall back on ready-made areas. This is also the right step in terms of sustainability. And that’s why we support such projects in order to be able to build affordable housing, “says Andrea Klambauer, State Councilor for Housing (NEOS).
Land promotes supermarket development
Actually, there had already been a valid demolition notice for the old part of the building, despite the requirement to preserve it. However, the REWE Group has now decided to build over it. The home building cooperative Heimat Österreich is supposed to implement the plans. The state is funding the project with 1.5 million euros.
Building over often does not pay off for owners
Often, however, similar plans fail. Because “as long as a local supplier has not reached the end of its life, it is not economical to build over it. Above all, there is also the fact that the local supplier is not the owner of the property and the property owner is not interested in a development. Because, of course, death would result in replacement of the gain made. That’s why we’re only making slow progress, ”says Barbara Unterkofler, Vice Mayor of the City of Salzburg (ÖVP).
Several potential candidates in town
Nevertheless, one hopes for further, similar projects. “We are in talks with various local suppliers, we are in talks with clients, developers and owners. And I do hope that we will be able to develop further developments in the near future, ”said Unterkofler. Potential candidates for redensification with apartments are, for example, the Billa-Fillale in Beethovenstrasse or the business line and car park in Robinigstrasse. The REWE Group is open to further densification projects. In response to an ORF request, a REWE spokesman would like to be able to imagine doctor’s offices or kindergartens via market branches.
