Wolfgang Porsche, chairman of Porsche SE, wants to build a 500-meter tunnel and garage under his home in Salzburg, but it requires blowing up parts of a mountain.
Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of Porsche SE, is planning a large-scale private construction project in Salzburg, Austria.
The plan includes a private tunnel and an underground garage. It is estimated to cost 104 million Danish kroner. But although the project has been formally approved, it is now drawing the ire of local residents.
The project requires that part of a naturally created mountain in the area be blown away.
The tunnel is planned to be approximately 500 meters long. It will lead to a new, large garage built underground. The garage is designed to accommodate up to twelve cars.
The connection goes to Wolfgang Porsche's private residence. It is a 17th-century villa located in the center of Salzburg. He acquired the historic property five years ago.
The project is now awaiting final approval. The Salzburg City Council will decide on the construction plans. The decision is expected to be made in May.
The city's previous mayor had given initial approval. However, final approval requires a majority vote in the current city council, so the process has entered a new phase.
Criticism of Porsche's tunnel plans in Salzburg
Since the plans were made public, criticism of the project has grown significantly. Several citizens and local politicians are outright opponents of the plan.
The core of the criticism is the use of public land for a private project.
The Wall Street Journal spoke with city council member Ingeborg Haller. She puts the local wonder into words.
– I think what surprises people is that a private individual can create designs for a mountain formation, she says.
Opponents believe that this is fundamentally wrong. They question whether private individuals should be allowed to drill through the city's underground. This has created a heated debate in Salzburg.
The case is further complicated by the current mayor's background. He previously held a board position at Porsche. This raises questions about possible disqualification in the case.
It is currently unclear whether the mayor will abstain from voting. His participation or lack thereof could have an impact on the outcome. The entire city council must participate in the vote.
Wolfgang Porsche and the connection to VW
Wolfgang Porsche is a prominent figure in the international automotive world. He is the chairman of the board of directors of Porsche SE. Porsche SE is the family-owned holding company that controls the entire VW Group.
The holding company is a major shareholder in both the sports car manufacturer Porsche AG and the large German car group Volkswagen Group. Wolfgang Porsche's influence in the industry is therefore not without significance.
The planned tunnel and garage represent a major investment. If the project gets the green light from the city council, it will cost up to 104 million kroner. The amount covers both the drilling of the tunnel and the construction of the garage.
The future of the ambitious construction project remains uncertain. Everything depends on the political decision of the Salzburg city council in May, which will determine whether Porsche's private tunnel under the city will become a reality.
Porsche is a brand with a long and fascinating history that extends far beyond private construction projects.
But not all drivers are suited to sitting behind the wheel of something from the Zuffenhausen factory. Not even if you get used to it. Read more about it here .
