From Suburban Experiment to Urban Landmark
When the Donau Zentrum first opened its doors on October 23, 1975, it featured just 22,800 square meters of retail space and around 50 stores – a novelty for Vienna’s 22nd district. Half a century later, the center spans 133,000 square meters and hosts some 260 shops, including 32 F&B outlets. With around 19 million visitors per year, it has become a key shopping, leisure, and social hub for both Vienna and the surrounding region.
“Westfield Donau Zentrum is far more than a place to shop – it’s been a vibrant urban meeting point shaping the life of the Donaustadt for 50 years. Our goal remains to continue evolving the site, integrating new mixed-use elements, and actively contributing to the urban environments of the future,” says Paul Douay, Managing Director, Asset Management Central Europe, at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW).
District head Ernst Nevrivy echoes this sentiment:
“The Westfield Donau Zentrum is the heart of the Donaustadt. It connects people, creates jobs, and enhances quality of life. What makes me especially proud is that the center has never stood still – through bold investments and sustainable projects, it has continuously evolved. This anniversary is not only a look back but a promise for the future.”
Retail Mix Evolution: New Brands and Concepts Strengthen Position
As one of Austria’s flagship destinations, Westfield Donau Zentrum continues to redefine the tenant mix with new international arrivals and experiential retail concepts.
Recent openings include Stradivarius, Pull&Bear, New Yorker, and Pepe Jeans. With Austria’s largest Pull&Bear store, the national debut of Stradivarius, and an exclusive New Yorker concept, the center offers shopping experiences that stand out even in Vienna’s competitive retail landscape.
Notably, Westfield Donau Zentrum remains the only center in Austria to host four Inditex Group brands under one roof – Pull&Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius, and Austria’s largest Zara.
Beyond Retail: A Mixed-Use Urban Hub
Today, Westfield Donau Zentrum functions as much more than a traditional shopping center. It combines retail, hospitality, healthcare, entertainment, and gastronomy – reflecting the evolution of shopping destinations into multifunctional urban infrastructure.
“The Westfield Donau Zentrum brings together all aspects of modern urban development: shopping, work, health, leisure, and community. We see ourselves as part of the city’s infrastructure and aim to continue redefining urban quality of life,” says Paul Douay.
The integration of a medical center, hotel, entertainment venues, and “The Kitchen” – featuring Austria’s largest Cineplexx IMAX® cinema and a wide F&B offering – illustrates how mixed-use strategies drive relevance and resilience in urban retail real estate.
Sustainability as a Long-Term Commitment
Aligned with URW’s group-wide sustainability strategy “Better Places 2030,” Westfield Donau Zentrum is investing heavily in ecological and social sustainability.
A rooftop photovoltaic system with an output of 2,173 kWp produces around 2.15 million kWh of electricity annually – enough to power approximately 600 households for a year. The installation already covers about 10% of the common-area energy demand.
The center also prioritizes sustainable mobility: by the end of 2026, 50 EV charging stations will be available, doubling to 100 by 2030.
Sustainability at Donau Zentrum also includes a social dimension. Local non-profit organizations and associations from the Donaustadt regularly use mall spaces free of charge for events and activities – a tangible sign of community engagement.
“For us, ecological sustainability and community involvement go hand in hand,” notes Douay.
“Through Better Places, we aim not only to set environmental benchmarks but also to create a place that genuinely benefits local people.”
Supporting the Next Generation: A Holistic Approach
During the anniversary celebrations, the center presented a donation to the Eishockey Nachwuchs Zentrum Ost (ENZO) to support its kindergarten program. The initiative helps children from all backgrounds gain access to sports, movement, and community learning – reinforcing the center’s role as a responsible local partner.
About Westfield Donau Zentrum
With a gross lettable area of 133,000 sqm, 260 shops, and around 3,600 employees, Westfield Donau Zentrum is Austria’s largest retail destination. “The Kitchen” entertainment area includes Austria’s largest cinema and 32 restaurants.
As part of URW’s “Better Places 2030” strategy, the center continues to implement environmental and social initiatives – from its photovoltaic plant to a social market in partnership with the Samariterbund, launched in 2019.
Opening Hours
- Retail: Mon-Fri 09:00-20:00, Sat 09:00-18:00
- Food Court: Mon-Sun 11:00-23:00
