The Vienna State Police Directorate (LPD) is apparently planning a medium-term relocation from its headquarters at Schottenring. The future location will probably be the area of the former Albrechtskaserne in Leopoldstadt. The LPD confirmed the considerations, but remained tight-lipped about details.
The project was presented to staff representatives in May and an architectural competition had already been launched, police sources said. The area on Vorgartenstrasse currently houses parts of the Ministry of Defence. In the future, the main office of the state police and large parts of the State Criminal Investigation Department (LKA) will move into police circles. The construction of an operational training centre is also likely to be planned.
The demolition work begins
The first pile for the start of demolition work in Vienna-Leopoldstadt is scheduled for early 2025, and the completion of the security center is scheduled for 2030. “The planning is ongoing and will continue,” the state police said in a statement. Such a project naturally takes a lot of time, which is why no details can be communicated yet. The Ministries of the Interior and Defense and the Federal Real Estate Company (BIG) unanimously stated that discussions are currently underway. However, the contracts are still pending, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of the Interior explained.
“The modernization should have happened a long time ago”
Central departments of the executive branch in the federal capital are currently spread across different locations, including the LKA with its headquarters in Vienna-Alsergrund. The office building of the state police headquarters on the Schottenring, which was completed in the 1970s, was long considered outdated. Walter Strallhofer, deputy chairman of the Vienna employee representation of the Social Democratic Trade Union Group (FSG), also points this out. “A modernization should have taken place a long time ago,” says Strallhofer. He hopes for a solution for all buildings that need renovation. “Unfortunately, there are many.”
Project details are still open
The blue police unionist and FPÖ member of the National Council, Werner Herbert, struck a similar tone. “We waited far too long anyway,” said Herbert of the Action Group for Independents and Freedom (AUF). He also referred to outstanding questions about the financing of the project. The Christian Trade Union Group (FCG) made it clear that the details of the project were still open. “In principle, we of course welcome this,” said Vienna FCG chairman Gerhard Zauner.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
