Bern's city council has halted key development projects in the Egelsee-Wyssloch area, citing resource limitations and legal challenges. This decision effectively shelves plans for a new school building and a large district park, while a temporary school structure will become permanent.
Key Takeaways
- Bern's city council has stopped the Egelsee-Wyssloch development.
- Plans for a new school and a district park are on hold.
- The Wysslochgut farmhouse will become a day school, despite legal appeals.
- A temporary modular school building will now be permanent.
- Councilor Béatrice Wertli calls for immediate, smaller improvements in the area.
Future of Egelsee-Wyssloch Area Uncertain
The Egelsee-Wyssloch area, known for its green spaces stretching from Muristrasse to the Paul Klee Center, was slated for significant upgrades. A competition held seven years ago produced a winning design. This design included a new school near the Egelgasse family gardens and a district park extending to Laubeggstrasse.
However, the city council recently announced the definitive abandonment of the overall zoning plan amendment. Officials stated that the chances of successful completion were minimal.
Project Timeline
- 7 years ago: Competition held for Egelsee-Wyssloch development.
- Summer 2016: Modular school building at Wyssloch began operation.
- End of July: Canton confirmed building permit for Wysslochgut conversion.
- March 2024: City decided against public park at Muristrasse 21.
Wysslochgut Conversion Faces Legal Battle
Amidst the cancellations, one project remains active: the conversion of the historic Wysslochgut farmhouse into a day school for approximately 150 children. This farmhouse, located diagonally opposite the site of the previously planned new school, received its building permit confirmation from the canton in late July.
Despite this approval, the decision faces an appeal. The matter is now before the administrative court. City officials have not disclosed who filed the appeal or their specific arguments.
"Even if the overall planning is blocked, concrete improvements remain possible in stages."
Béatrice Wertli, City Councilor (Mitte)
District Park and New School Shelved
The proposed district park is currently suspended. The city council cites a lack of both personnel and financial resources. The new school building, initially planned for the Egelgasse, was a major source of objections against the zoning plan changes. The council has left its future open, stating that the demand for school facilities is currently met by the existing Wyssloch modular building, the Nussbaumstrasse school, and the planned Wysslochgut day school.
The Green Corridor
The Egelsee-Wyssloch area forms a significant green corridor in Bern, stretching from the former waste disposal site on Muristrasse to the highway near the Paul Klee Center. This area is popular for walking and recreation, making its future development a key concern for residents.
Temporary School Becomes Permanent Fixture
The modular school building at Wyssloch, a three-story structure at Egelgasse, began operating in summer 2016. It was originally intended as a temporary solution, to be replaced by a new school building six years later. With the new school project abandoned, the city now plans to lift the temporary status of this modular building through a new building application. This effectively makes the provisional structure a permanent solution without an expiration date.
Wyssloch Modular Building
- Opened: Summer 2016
- Original Intent: Temporary for six years
- New Status: Permanent, without expiry
Calls for Incremental Improvements
City Councilor Béatrice Wertli of the Mitte party described these decisions as "highly unsatisfactory." Her recent interpellation, co-submitted with colleagues from GLP and GFL, sought answers on the development setbacks. Wertli is now pushing for a new report, titled "Staging instead of resigning," which would explore cost-effective, short-term enhancements for the area.
Wertli suggests that "nature-based play areas and ecological upgrades can be realized uncomplicatedly." She points out that large parts of the area are already zoned for public use. Potential projects include partially restoring the Wysslochbach stream, an idea from the original competition design.
Muristrasse 21 Parcel to Become Green Space
Across the Egelsee, on the Muristrasse side, Wertli is also addressing the vacant plot at Muristrasse 21. A city-owned residential building was demolished there in spring, leaving the site next to Caffè Bar Riva as an empty lot. Wertli requests that the city council's report outline plans for this open space.
Three years ago, when the demolition was announced, the council indicated a decision on a project credit for public park use by the end of 2023. However, the council confirmed in March 2024 that it decided against a park. Instead, the area will be prepared by next spring, with grass, meadow, and native shrubs planted to integrate it into the public Wyssloch green area.
Concerns Over Baumgarten School Conditions
Wertli's motion also targets the Baumgarten school. This school, housed in former office buildings along the highway, serves as a replacement for the stalled Wyssloch new building. It has drawn criticism for its lack of outdoor space and dedicated gymnasium.
Wertli accuses the city of "irresponsibility towards children" due to the absence of "movement spaces, meeting zones, and child-friendly infrastructure." She demands that the city council provide a "child-friendly playground" for Baumgarten elementary school by the end of 2026. Additionally, she calls for a "permanent gymnasium solution (not just a temporary air dome)" in the immediate vicinity by 2028 at the latest.
School Commission Raises Criticisms
Another point in Wertli's motion requires the city council to explain by mid-2026 how school locations without playgrounds and gymnasiums can be pedagogically justified. The relevant school commission should also provide its position on these conditions. Wertli states that the commission has been closely involved since Baumgarten began operations.
Vanessa Käser, President of the Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde School District Commission, confirmed these criticisms. "We have closely monitored school building projects in our district for years and particularly disagree with the lack of outdoor space at the Baumgarten school."
Käser noted ongoing communication: "The school district commission is in good, continuous dialogue with all involved parties, such as school administrations, the city's education department, and the University of Teacher Education."
- School Baumgarten Issues:
- Lack of playground
- No dedicated gymnasium
- Limited outdoor space
- Criticism of "child-friendly infrastructure"
Springgarten Area eyed for School and Sport
Regarding the lack of outdoor space at Baumgarten, Käser advocates for a solution within the Springgarten area. This area borders the office and school towers along the highway. "It is important for the district that school facilities, sports, and open spaces for children are integrated into this planning," Käser stated.
The Springgarten area itself is also subject to ongoing discussions. The Lindenhof Group plans to centralize its hospitals in a new building there. The property owner, Burgergemeinde, and the city's planning authorities are currently reviewing a feasibility study for the site.