Best Practices for Land Recycling and the Repurposing of Industrial Brownfields — Bern.Dorf in Mödling has been recognized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Climate, and Environmental Protection, as well as Kommunalkredit Public Consulting (KPC).
Excerpt from the Ministry’s explanatory statement:
Land Reclamation: Industrial Brownfield in Mödling to Become a Sustainable Multi-Purpose Site
With the decommissioning of an industrial production site at Fabriksgasse 1-3 in Mödling, an area of approximately 18,000 m² was made available for a new use. Based on a comprehensive development concept by Berndorf Immobilien AG, a significant impetus has now been given to sustainable urban development and land conservation. The result is a versatile site that combines economic, ecological, and social aspects and makes an important contribution to revitalizing the city center.
Development Plan for Sustainable Reuse
Development goals in the public interest were first defined for the site. Based on these, three scenarios for its future use were developed and evaluated according to ecological, economic, and social criteria. The recommended option calls for the preservation and renovation of all existing buildings and positions the site as a versatile “multi-purpose area.”
Aderelict industrial site becomes a new place to live and work
Existing industrial buildings are being gradually converted into workshops, think tanks, shared workspaces, sports facilities, event venues, and pop-up shops. The first sections of the site were unveiled at the end of July 2026 during a public opening ceremony.
Less land use and more climate protection
The reuse of brownfield sites plays a key role in preventing soil sealing and reducing the consumption of new land. At the same time, the continued use of existing buildings helps conserve valuable resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In developing the site, special emphasis is also placed on preserving existing trees and vegetation, thereby protecting biodiversity and reducing local heat islands. In this way, the project supports key objectives of the “Land Recycling” funding program.
Funding supports development
The cost of developing the development concept amounts to approximately 118,000 euros. Under the “Land Recycling” funding program, 60,000 euros in grant funds were provided. Kommunalkredit Public Consulting (KPC) is administering the funding on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions, and Water Management (BMLUK).
Related links:
- BMLUK: https://www.bmluk.gv.at/themen/klima-und-umwelt/klima/klima-initiativen-und-foerderungen/ufg/projekte-umweltfoerderungsgesetz/ufg-projekt-september-2026.html
- KPC: https://www.umweltfoerderung.at/aktuelles/detail/ufg-projekt-september-2026
- Bern.Dorf: https://www.bern-dorf.at/ort-schafft-auszeichnung/
