Bern: Up to 1,200 apartments on Weyermannshaus West

Bern's municipal council has passed the development regulations for the Weyermannshaus West site to the city council. This will allow the creation of up to 1,200 apartments. A decision will be made at the ballot box on November 30.

The site is located in the Bümpliz-Oberbottigen district and in the Ausserholligen development focus area (ESP). The city has in mind a "mixed-use and dense district with a high proportion of housing". The owner is Post Immobilien AG and the Burgergemeinde Bern. At present, the site is largely occupied by commercial enterprises and temporary uses. In addition to apartments, areas for businesses, offices and restaurants are also to be developed. The development plan designates 25 building zones on the site and specifies the maximum heights and volumes of the buildings. The planned development is based on the current building structure and combines new buildings with existing buildings. High-rise buildings with a height of between 47 and 57 meters are permitted in four building zones. In addition, the OO contains specifications regarding the type and extent of use, among other things.

The proportion of residential space is limited to a maximum of 90 percent of the above-ground floor area. This corresponds to a potential of 1,000 to 1,200 apartments. At least one third of the residential space must be built by non-profit developers or as affordable housing and rented out permanently at cost. Work and commercial uses are still possible. Only commercial uses are permitted in one construction area. At least 50 percent of the first floor space must be reserved for non-residential use.

Parking in the district, which is planned to be car-free, is to be largely underground via parking garage access roads at the edge of the site. The OO also contains specifications for energy supply, near-natural habitats and the preservation of the building fabric. (aw)