Bern residents will decide on November 30 whether to transform the Gaswerk site, a large industrial wasteland, into a new urban quarter. The proposed development includes approximately 500 affordable homes, green spaces, and commercial areas, marking a significant step for the city's housing strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Bern's Gaswerk site is proposed for a new quarter with 500 homes.
- At least 50% of new housing will be built by cooperatives, with another 25% designated as affordable by the city.
- The plan includes extensive green spaces, local commercial areas, and retains the Gaskessel youth center.
- Voters will decide on zone plan changes, land lease to developers, and a 25 million Swiss Franc infrastructure credit.
- A small settlement, 'Anstadt,' currently occupies part of the site and opposes the development.
Future of Gaswerk Site at Stake
The Gaswerk site, currently an expansive industrial area near the Aare River, presents a striking contrast of disused parking lots, dilapidated buildings, and green spaces. The Gaskessel youth center, a well-known local institution, also sits within this varied landscape. For years, this area has been seen as underutilized potential.
The city's plan aims to revitalize this prime riverside location. It seeks to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that addresses Bern's growing housing needs while preserving community elements.
Development at a Glance
- New Homes: Approximately 500 residential units.
- Affordable Housing: 50% for cooperatives, 25% for city-designated affordable housing.
- Green Space: Significant portions dedicated to parks and public areas.
- Commercial Use: Space allocated for local businesses.
- Cultural Preservation: Gaskessel youth center will remain.
Affordable Housing Central to the Proposal
A core aspect of the Gaswerk project is its focus on affordable housing. The city mandates that at least half of the new apartments must be built by housing cooperatives. An additional quarter of the units are reserved for city-managed affordable housing programs. This approach aims to create a diverse community rather than an exclusive one.
According to Bern's Finance Director Melanie Mettler, the city has seen about 1500 new homes in the past decade. However, the proportion of non-profit housing in Bern is around 9%, significantly lower than Zurich's 27%. "In this segment, the market does not really play a role, which is why we are relying on cooperatives and affordable housing on our own land," Mettler stated.
Political Support and Opposition
The city parliament has largely backed the new quarter, seeing it as a vital solution to the housing shortage. Dominik Fitze, head of the SP parliamentary group, emphasized the creation of homes for approximately 1000 people. "This helps against the housing shortage," Fitze said. "It is important to us that a well-mixed neighborhood emerges, not just apartments for high earners."
"It is important to us that a well-mixed neighborhood emerges – not just apartments for high earners."
Dominik Fitze, SP Parliamentary Group Leader
The FDP party also supports the project, though with some reservations. They criticize the high proportion of affordable housing, arguing it might exclude certain segments of society.
The SVP is the only party firmly opposing the development in its current form. SVP city council member Alexander Feuz argued that the area, with its proximity to the Aare and Marzili recreation areas, is ideal for "higher-value housing." He suggested the current plan "squanders the best location for social housing or cooperatives."
The Monbijou Bridgehead Project
Alongside the Gaswerk vote, Bern residents will also decide on the upgrade of the "Brückenkopf West." This area connects the Monbijou quarter with the Gaswerk site. The new zone plan for this area would allow for the construction of a high-rise building up to 50 meters tall.
The Anstadt Community's Future
A small, self-governing settlement named 'Anstadt' has occupied a western part of the Gaswerk site for several years. About 50 people live in this village of huts, which the city has tolerated until construction begins on the new quarter.
The Anstadt collective is actively campaigning against the city's plans. They argue that their settlement occupies only a small fraction of the Gaswerk site. Tim from the Anstadt collective suggested that "the largest part of the empty space could be built on without displacing free spaces." The community uses posters and social media to advocate for its continued existence.
The Upcoming Vote
On November 30, citizens will vote on two main proposals related to the Gaswerk site. The first is the zone plan amendment with planning obligation, which sets the overall framework for future use. The second proposal concerns whether the city council can lease the building plots under building rights and approve a 25 million Swiss Franc credit for the necessary infrastructure.
This decision will shape a significant portion of Bern's urban landscape for decades. It will impact housing availability, urban green spaces, and the city's approach to community development.
Additional Referendums
Bern's voters will also decide on several other matters on November 30:
- An increase in financial competencies, making a popular vote obligatory only for costs exceeding 12 million Swiss Francs.
- The 2026 Budget.
- The Weyermannshaus West development plan.
- The extension of the rental agreement for the Welle 7 bicycle station.