Introductory remarks by Christine Dubravac-Widholm

Dear residents of Brigittenau,

Dear neighbours in the area covered by the WieNeu+ 20+2 urban renewal programme,

Brigittenau is a diverse, lively district — and that's exactly what makes it so special. WieNeu+ gives us the chance to work together to make our neighbourhood even greener, more climate-proof and attractive to live in.

What's especially important to me is that urban renewal here isn't a top-down exercise, but starts at grassroots level with you, the people living in the district. Lots of great ideas have already been implemented under the "Grätzlmarie" scheme: small-scale greening projects, community-building measures and shared public spaces. Every single initiative shows just how much commitment and creativity there is in our neighbourhood.

A particular focal point is the neighbourhood between the Danube Canal and Stromstraße, where we're piloting ways of making our urban districts fit for the future. In the long term, the experience gained there will benefit us all.

One practical example are the "Cool Zones" we've created, starting at the Senior Citizens' Club in Greiseneckergasse and successfully continued with another at the Brigittenau Municipal Offices.

I'm delighted that here in Brigittenau we're pulling together as a team, working with experts and above all with local residents. In doing so we're creating a neighbourhood where we all feel good today — and one that will likewise be appreciated by generations to come.

Warmest regards,

Christine Dubravac-Widholm

Chair of Brigittenau Municipal District Council (20th district)