This modernization programme has lead to an enormous upgrade of the railway stations and their respective surrounding areas as a real estate location. The added value and positive atmosphere brought by the comprehensive shopping, dining and service possibilities at the railway stations does not only benefit rail travellers and local residents; the new BahnhofCities are also a strong stimulus for urban development. Land reserves that are no longer required for railway operations are being developed by ÖBB-Immobilienmanagement GmbH; new districts are emerging, and adjacent existing districts experience an increase in value. In Vienna, two railway stations are currently being built in a completely new dimension: The BahnhofCities of the Vienna West and Vienna Central Stations.

BahnhofCity Vienna West

The Vienna West Station is currently being redeveloped into BahnhofCity Vienna West. The heritage-protected original station concourse is being expanded by a hotel and office complex as well as a shopping centre. All in all, 17,000 square metres of retail space for approximately 100 shops are being developed on three levels. The main focus is on the clothing sector, followed by groceries and gastronomic services. The two new buildings flanking the station are housing the low-budget, 442-room design hostel Motel One as well as office space on approximately 15,000 m². Once BahnhofCity Vienna West opens in the fall of 2011, it will be more than just a new traffic hub: Besides the stimulus provided for the development of the surrounding area, the new BahnhofCity Vienna West means more comfort, service and customer-friendliness for travellers. For local residents, visitors and office users, it will be a new urban centre with a first class infrastructure.

BahnhofCity Vienna Central Station

On the premises of the former South and East Stations, the new Vienna Central Station will emerge by 2014 – one of Europe’s most important railway stations. But the new Vienna Central Station will be more than just a train station: On the area surrounding the actual station building, a new, attractive district is being developed on 59 hectares and within only 2 km from Vienna’s Stephansplatz square. This area will provide approximately 5,000 apartments, a multi-purpose centre with offices, shopping and services, as well as a health and finance centre for a total of 20,000 workplaces. An eight hectare park will further contribute to making this new district an attractive location for living and working. In addition, a 20,000 m² shopping centre with 115 stores will be integrated directly inside the station building. With a balanced mix of industries, this shopping centre will be the optimal local supply centre for ÖBB customers as well as residents of the entire new district. The construction of the new Vienna Central Station together with the development of the new surrounding district is currently the largest infrastructure project of ÖBB and the City of Vienna. ÖBB is providing a promising stimulus for urban development in Vienna – with an ultra-modern infrastructure for travelling, working and living.