Once upon a time, a tech giant had plans to establish a data center in Upper Austria… This is how the story between Google and the Kronstorf-Hargelsberg business district began 16 years ago. Although the Americans confirmed their “yes” to the location in the fall of 2022, little is happening.
Is Google coming to Upper Austria or not? The tech giant’s possible establishment in the Kronstorf-Hargelsberg intermunicipal business district is a never-ending story in which many have already lost faith that it will be brought to life.
Google secured a plot of land 16 years ago, and in 2018, 20 hectares of it were sold again, before an announcement was made precisely on October 24, 2022: the Americans plan to build the Cloud Region Austria, not far from Steyr Street, the B 309, a data center that will create up to 100 full-time jobs upon completion. After years of speculation, the topic of Google suddenly became tangible.
But: More than a year and a half later, not much has happened. Mayor Christian Kolarik of Kronstorf is once again being bothered with the same questions as before the fall of 2022. “Is something going on?” “What’s happening now?” the others ask.
“The schedule is up to the investor”
Kolarik is evasive. “The schedule is up to the investor,” says the politician. On the 50-hectare site, things are happening in small steps: the infrastructure is being prepared, access roads, roads and cycle paths are being dug and levelled. Whether and what exactly is on the schedule for this year? “The road will still have to be cleared of dust,” says Kolarik.
Farmers can cultivate land
He can understand that many people doubt whether Google will succeed: “From the outside you might think that nothing is wrong.” In any case, the farmers can cultivate the area for as long as possible. There is currently a lot of growth in the region.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
