Graz | Austria
Under construction, first developments in operation
54 ha

Visit the website
Download the PED profile
Download extended PED profile

Reininghaus is a new district near the city centre of Graz that is being established on the area of a former brewery, close to other industrial areas. The project spans over 54 ha and is a main pillar of the bigger SmartCityGraz strategy. Core aspects of the vision include the sustainable provision of energy as well as sustainable mobility, green space, a high diversity of uses, qualitative architecture and modern infrastructure.

A strong focus is put on the sustainable provision of energy. For this purpose, excess heat from a close steel manufacturer is derived using high-efficient heat pumps and fed into a district heating system that operates at low temperatures. The system further allows for the storage of surplus heat in a power tower and an on-demand supply.

Besides, many buildings are low-energy houses, some certified with the “klimaAktiv” (= sustainable building programme) label. An excellent cycling infrastructure, an extensive public transport offer, as well as fewer parking spaces for residents and visitors, are measures to keep the emissions caused by traffic to a minimum.

After the previous owner Asset One – a real estate developer, withdrew from the project in 2012, the site was sold to private investors and non-profit developers which now form the steering committee “Reininghaus-board”. The area is divided into 19 quarters (= building units) with thirteen different developers. As of today, two of the quarters are already finished, five more will be finished this year and the remaining quarters will be built until 2030 – in total, Graz-Reininghaus will provide room for 10,000 residents, 5,000 workplaces and 5.200 flats.

Regarding stakeholder involvement, a city district management has been put in place that serves as a central point of contact for residents, surrounding companies, developers, new residents, the City of Graz as well as further initiatives and institutions of the city.