Bern: More than twice as many apartments on Mädergut
An urban area is to be massively densified with 200 new apartments.
According to a press release from the city of Bern, the Mädergut in Bümpliz is to have the potential for more than twice as many, predominantly affordable apartments. In addition, the district is to be revitalized with neighbourhood and public-oriented uses. The planned development requires an amendment to the basic building regulations. The municipal council has approved the corresponding planning proposal for public consultation. This will run from February 9 to March 13, 2026.
The Mädergut site is located between Bottigenstrasse and Mädergutstrasse. As the owner of the site, the City of Bern wants to create more affordable living space and revitalize the district at the same time. The site will be able to accommodate a total of around 350 apartments in future, compared to 145 today. 100 % affordable apartments are planned on the plots owned by the City of Bern's Land and Housing Policy Fund. At least a third of the apartments on the plot owned by the city's Gfeller Fund are to be rented out at cost.
The municipal council has had the «ZPP 9 - Mädergut» zone with planning obligation drawn up and has now approved it for public consultation. The ZPP provides for staged implementation. To this end, the area has been divided into different sectors, in which the respective usage dimensions and height development are defined based on an urban planning study. In a first step, the area between Brünnackerstrasse and Mädergutstrasse will be developed - this is sector 9.4.
Exemplary climate and open space quality as a goal
The ecological goals stated include minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing the sponge city principles and climate-resilient urban development as well as promoting biodiversity and green spaces. «With regard to these issues, the development is to be implemented in an exemplary manner,» writes the city. The aim is therefore to achieve a high level of greening with new and existing trees and minimal sealing. Overall, the open spaces are to be upgraded and the quality of stay enhanced. The development should also be car-free.
