From Tobacco to Tech: The Conversion of Linz’s former Tobacco Factory
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The former tobacco factory in Linz,austria,stands as a powerful example of urban renewal and adaptation. Once a major industrial employer, the site experienced periods of ownership change and eventual closure before being reimagined as a vibrant hub for Upper Austria’s creative industries.Today, it’s a thriving center housing around 250 organizations and providing approximately 2,900 jobs, demonstrating a accomplished transition from manufacturing to innovation.
A History of Change and Resilience
The story of the area begins in 1935 with the establishment of the tobacco factory. Over the decades, it became a significant part of Linz’s economic landscape. In 2001, the British Gallaher group acquired the company, and in 2007, ownership transferred to Japan Tobacco International (JTI). Tho, JTI ceased operations at the Linz facility in 2009.
This closure presented a challenge, but also an opportunity. Recognizing the potential of the large 38,148 square meter site, the city of Linz purchased the property with the intention of transforming it into a center for creative industries. This strategic move aimed to foster innovation and economic growth in a new sector.
Remembering the Past: The “20 Stations” Exhibition
An exhibition detailing the history of the site, presented through 20 stations, offers a poignant look at the factory’s past and the lives of those who worked there. The exhibition includes artifacts like the work clothing worn by employees. Former worker Reinhard Leitner recounted that the color of the coat – brown for higher positions – and the number of ballpoint pens in a breast pocket indicated an individual’s status within the company. Leitner himself continued producing cigarettes after the factory closed, branding them “Tschick,” and still maintains an office within the building.
The exhibition also acknowledges the darker chapters of the factory’s history, remembering the five resistance fighters who worked there during the Nazi era and were tragically murdered in concentration camps shortly before the war’s end. The Linz Upper Austria Tourism website provides further information on the site’s history and the exhibition.
A Modern Creative hub
Today, the former tobacco factory is a dynamic ecosystem of businesses and organizations. It’s home to a diverse range of companies, spanning fields like design, media, technology, and the arts. The site’s continued growth signals it’s success as a model for post-industrial redevelopment.
Key Takeaways:
* Successful Redevelopment: The Linz tobacco factory exemplifies a successful transition from a manufacturing facility to a thriving creative hub.
* Economic Impact: the site currently supports approximately 2,900 jobs across 250 organizations.
* Ancient Importance: The factory’s history, including its role during the Nazi era, is preserved and remembered through an on-site exhibition.
* Strategic vision: The city of Linz’s proactive purchase and redevelopment of the site demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to urban planning.
The transformation of Linz’s former tobacco factory is a testament to the power of adaptation and the importance of investing in creative industries. As the site continues to evolve, it promises to remain a vital engine for innovation and economic growth in Upper Austria.
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