Urban Graz Gries - A district revived The EU district development programme URBAN The URBAN development programme initiated by the European Union (Directorate General XVI Regional Policies and Cohesion) is being performed in more than 80 European cities. The aim of URBAN is to preserve or restore functionality in problem zones of the city and thus to improve living conditions. Support is provided for economic, labour-market policy, environmental, social and cultural measures. The programme is funded jointly by the respective municipal authorities and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). URBAN Graz-Gries - Project area Approx. 11,000 people live in the URBAN project area Graz-Gries. The borders of the project area are formed by the river Mur, the Südtiroler Platz square, Annenstraße, Eggenberger Gürtel, Lazarett Gürtel, Mauergasse and Puchstraße. URBAN Graz Gries - Focus of development District development and district renewal = improvement of living conditions and the environment, better traffic links, consolidation of the social infrastructure, promotion of business Job creation and consolidation of the social security system = reduction of unemployment, social work for fringe groups Public participation and PR work Information and participation of citizens are integral components for implementation of the URBAN projects in line with public wishes. Integration of the population of the Gries district is also facilitated by a special URBAN information office located in Griesplatz (covered market). URBAN Graz Gries - Funding Total funds of 150 million ATS have been earmarked for all URBAN Graz projects, of which the local authorities will contribute 79 million ATS. Styria province and the Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS) will also participate in funding URBAN. URBAN Graz Gries - Duration of project The URBAN programme will be implemented by December 1999. URBAN Projects District development Oeverseepark (completed since October 1997) Augartensteg (to be completed June 1998)   Bad zur Sonne - Revitalisation and extension to form a health centre   Griesplatz - Redesign of the northern section totalling 5000qm   Geriatric Day Centre and Integrated Social and Health District Albert Schweitzergasse Business initiatives Company location scheme for technology and innovation-oriented companies Counselling and development scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises Economic model for the Mur suburb Gries "Haus der Wirtschaft" in Nikolai-/Entenplatz Environmental technology company reorganisation Fa. Tagger Social initiatives Streetwork for young people confronted with alcohol and drug problems Job market and social policy projects for members of fringe groups Qualification schemes for women Integration measures for Austrian and foreign women; Women's Café Jobs for long-term unemployed TOP If you would like more details about URBAN, please contact us at the following addresses: urban@stadt.graz.at