2.2 Coordination/network-building within the neighbourhood

The quality of urban renewal projects essentially depends on the interplay between a large number of stakeholders. WieNeu+ functions as a local platform, bringing different interests together under a single umbrella, initiating cooperation and flagging up synergies within the neighbourhood.

Targeted networking activities build solid partnerships that facilitate and accelerate processes, from the original idea right through to implementation. These networking activities have several different formats, including e.g. regular partners' meetings, neighbourhood workshops and local walks.

Nine people are standing in a row, smiling at the camera. They are holding two large signs referring to the Grätzl 20+2 district and showing a map section indicating its geographical location. Behind them is a low-rise building bearing the inscription ‘Welcome’, as well as buildings from the Gründerzeit period.

Fig. 10: WieNeu+ launch in the Grätzl 20+2 programme area with (l. to r.) Marianne Bügelmayer-Blaschek (AIT), Otto Eckl (Head of MA 25), Hannes Derfler (former CMDC 20), Kathrin Gaál (Deputy Mayor & ECC), Selma Arapović (MVPP/VCC), Alexander Nikolai (CMDC 2), Stephan Hartmann (WieNeu+), Andrea Mann (GB*), Werner Auer (wohnfonds_wien), March 2023 © City of Vienna/Martin Votava

"People often tell us that WieNeu+ is a great platform for networking. Networking sparks creative ideas, and on the other hand it also builds trust between the participants and gives them a better understanding of one another's needs. That's really important to the success of our projects, and indeed of urban renewal in general." (Ruth Fartacek, WieNeu+, Stadt Wien – Municipal Dept. for Technical Urban Renewal)